Coping Mechanisms

By Kathleen

There are many excellent resources online that can help you deal with the stress of infertility treatments. The Resolve website has a special section specifically for coping with these issues. I found the advice on Coping with the Holidays to be particularly helpful. When I was cycling I found it very difficult to spend time around pregnant women- it just reminded me of how hopeless my situation seemed at the time. And pregnant women were everywhere- work, the grocery store, family gatherings, etc. I went out of my way to avoid friend and family events where I knew expectant mothers would be. This was especially difficult with my own sister-in-law’s baby shower. I decided to attend but found it very stressful. I subsequently limited my social engagements, and refused to feel bad about purposely avoiding them. Instead my husband and I made special plans that included just the two of us so we could focus on our relationship.