• Infertility, Pregnancy, and Postpartum Struggles

    Have you lost much of the joy you once felt? Are you struggling with the challenges of infertility, pregnancy, postpartum and everything that comes along with it? Have you asked yourself, “Will I ever feel better again?” or, “Why is this happening to me?” If so, you may be dealing with some of the difficulties and challenges that can sometimes come with infertility, pregnancy and postpartum.

    The journey of family planning from start to finish comes with many unknowns. Every journey is unique and different, which sometimes can make us feel like we are all alone. One thing that we all have in common is that we are all going through the experience real time, with no guarantees or defined understanding of how our bodies will respond along the way. the journey of reproductive health and family planning can sometimes be filled with hope and excitement, and other times it can come with disappointment, confusion and despair.  What is important to remember is that there are no two experiences that are the same. At Live Well, we are here to support you, wherever you are in your journey.

    Women may experience certain environmental, psychological and biological challenges along the way that can have a significant impact on their mental health and well-being. If not addressed properly, these challenges can turn into burdens that often lead to anxiety, depression and a lost sense of self.

    Are Women More at Risk of Developing Mental Health Issues?

    Daniel Freeman, Oxford University clinical psychologist analyzed 12 large-scale studies and concluded that women may be between 20% and 40% more likely to develop a mental illness than men. According to Freeman, “Women tend to view themselves more negatively than men and that is a vulnerability factor for many mental health problems.”

    Some common feelings that women can feel when dealing with infertility, pregnancy and/ or postpartum: 

    • Depression
    • Anxiety
    • Postpartum depression
    • Postpartum psychosis
    • Posttraumatic stress
    • Eating disorders
    • Mood-related challenges
    • Low self-worth
    • Thoughts/ behaviors of self-harm or harming others

    Why Seek Therapy ?

    Women’s issues can take a serious toll on a woman’s emotional, physical, and mental health. The effects can be mild to extreme, and in many cases, women are not able to cope with their issues on their own.

    By seeking therapy, a woman can get the help she needs in overcoming an issue she has been struggling with.

    There are several therapies, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), that can offer coping tools and new perspectives. Seeking therapy can be an empowering first step on the road back to YOU. And while each step you take may, at times, feel challenging, uncertain and scary, you will have someone right there with you listening and encouraging you to cross that finish line.

    If you or someone you know would like to explore treatment options, please get in touch with me. I would be honored to walk with you on your journey.