Have you experienced Trauma in Infertility?
If you have been affected by this, we understand. Here is how we and others can help.
As we release the information from our important Trauma in Infertility Research in which 41% of the 590 people who responded to the survey reported that they had suffered from trauma on their journey, it is even more important to ensure that if you feel you have been affected help is available for you.
FERTILITY NETWORK SUPPORT
Support Line. Reach our Support Line between 10am – 4pm, Monday to Friday. It is run by former fertility nurses Diane and Janet, who will try to answer and support you through your queries and support your emotional wellbeing.
At Fertility Network UK, we also provide a number of fertility groups (across the country as well as online) that will give you the opportunity to share your story and get support from others who understand your journey. We also host regular free online webinars. Each session provides impartial help, support and understanding about its carefully chosen relevant topic.
COUNSELLING
Counselling may really help you to process and speak about any traumatic or difficult experiences you may have had along your fertility journey.
We know that infertility is a stressful and emotional journey and one that many people do not talk about with their family, friends and colleagues. Having an opportunity to explore this with a specialist professional fertility counsellor can make all the difference.
British Infertility Counselling Association are a registered charity and the only professional infertility counselling Association recognised by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority and the British Fertility Society in the UK.
You can use this link to help find a counsellor in your area.
There are a range of therapeutic approaches which can be helpful if you are experiencing CPTSD, some will suit some people and some will suit others, your readiness for therapeutic intervention needs to be taken into consideration.
EMDR THERAPY
EMDR is recognised by the World Health organisation as the gold standard for high level trauma. However, it is not widely available in the NHS, though this is gradually increasing.
EMDR: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured therapy that helps individuals process traumatic memories. It is recognised by the World Health Organisation and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence for its effectiveness in treating PTSD by using guided eye movements or other bilateral stimulation to help the brain reprocess distressing memories, reducing their emotional intensity.
For more information about EMDR:
https://emdrassociation.org.uk/
https://emdrireland.org/a-unique-and-powerful-therapy/
Other Counselling options:
Trauma-informed Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
Internal Family Systems Therapy
Compassion Focussed Therapy
WELLBEING PROGRAMMES
If you are feeling overwhelmed, finding it difficult to regulate your emotions, are always on ‘high-alert’, your negative thoughts are always racing interrupting your sleep or you are experiencing flashbacks, it can be helpful to try some grounding, relaxation, breathing, meditation techniques; the internet is awash with helpful sites and apps and we regularly host free wellbeing sessions through Fertility Network UK. Again, some techniques suit some people and not others, it can be useful to try a range to find those that suit you best and help you stay safe. If at anytime you find a technique is making your symptoms worse, cease with it and try another, a Counsellor can help you find the correct techniques for you.
For urgent emotional support you can contact:
Samaritans 24/7 Phone: 116 123 Email: jo@samaritans.co.uk
Lifeline (Northern Ireland) 7/7 service 0808 808 8000