An Article I wrote about two years ago

One of my friends came across this article that I had written, that I had actually forgotten about. Thought I would share:



Some people would say, "Of course there's a link between infertility and depression. Wouldn't you be depressed if you tried to conceive and couldn't?" Point well taken. As the layers of this subject are peeled back, and the nature of this "relationship" is revealed, more relevant points will be made, and hopefully, a better understanding of how the mind and body work together, and against, each other.
Depression is one of those subjects that some handle too lightly, while others don't handle lightly enough. Most of this stems from ignorance, lack of information about the disease, it's symptoms, treatment, and how it affects everyone, not just those who personally suffer from it. Infertility is a lot like that as well. Once most women reveal to others that can't conceive, it either becomes a hush-hush subject, or everyone is offering advice, usually unwanted at that. People should realize that with both depression and infertility, as well as any other condition, manners and respect should be shown when discussing it. Let the person dealing with it talk, and if they ask for your opinion or advice, only then should you speak up.
As a society, most of us are aware that when something you deem as traumatic or live-changing in a negative way takes place in your life, depression will run its course, whether it be for a short duration, or over a long period of time. Unlike sadness, depression eats at your thoughts, sucks away your energy, leaving you a shell of your former self.
Women who try to conceive and find out they can't because of infertility are more likely to be depressed than women who don't suffer from infertility. This makes sense. As we look closer at the two, we find that the symptoms can be reversed, and you get the same outcome. A woman can be depressed, and the depression can trigger infertility. Is it possible? Yes, and we'll look at how.
Studies have show that women who have healthy eating habits, and get regular exercise and sleep are more likely to conceive than females who eat junk food and live a sedentary lifestyle. So, what does this have to do with depression? A lot. Women who are depressed do not eat well, have no energy for exercise or anything else, and most are sleep deprived, or don't sleep well when then do sleep. The physical ramifications of depression are just as much a problem as the mental and emotional strains it puts on a person. Steps can be taken however, to check for problems with both depression and infertility. Deciding what to do next is one of the most important parts.
After it had been established that one suffers from both depression and infertility, all options should be discussed. Your doctor may want to treat you for depression, and infertility, but it may be better to deal with the depression first. If a person can get through the depression ,and start living a happy, healthy life, tests for infertility should be ran again. There's no need to get on fertility drugs unless you want to take the chance to have multiple births. Being happy, getting plenty of sleep and exercise, and eating healthy may be all the help you need. Also, give yourself time to conceive. It is suggested that women under 35 try for at least 12 months be for consulting their doctor. Over 35, should try for 6 months. In addition, an ovulation kit and fertility monitor bought over the counter may be something to consider as well.
No matter which came first, the depression or the infertility, taking care of one's self is always top priority. Regular physicals and check ups should always be a part of your life, to make sure you stay healthy and happy!