Psychological well-being arises, at least in part, from our way of experiencing what happens to us throughout our lives. In other words: our mental health is always linked to what happens around us, what happens beyond our brains.
This is clearly seen in cases where psychological problems appear caused by infertility problems an experience that, although it does not generate great discomfort in all cases, in some people it can trigger major crises.
Psychological problems linked to infertility in the couple
The emotional blow for some people of knowing they probably won’t have biological children doesn’t always go away in a few days. Sometimes, it transforms into psychological problems that remain alive for a longer time
In the long run, this can give rise to symptoms of real psychological disorders, some of which can be classified as disorders. Let’s look at several of those that are usually seen in psychotherapy, taking into account that they do not usually occur all at the same time in the same person.
1. Lack of a clear life goal
For many people, raising at least one son or daughter and watching the offspring grow is, basically, the most important goal that can be aspired to, that which provides the backbone and gives meaning to all of adult life Infertility disrupts these expectations, especially when it comes between the father or mother and the first baby, and this sometimes triggers the onset of mood disorders, such as depression.
Due to the importance that we culturally give to the ability to be a mother, many women experience infertility practically as a traumatic experience ; a desperate situation that escapes the control of the person who suffers it firsthand, and that at the same time “is always there”, or at least seems to be lurking at all times.
Likewise, for many men it is also extremely painful not to be able to have biological children, and it can even generate serious insecurities, given that Fatherhood is related to the concept of masculinity and virility
Of course, all these forms of discomfort do not arise in themselves from the inability to have children, but from the interpretation of this fact mediated by cultural phenomena: gender roles and the stereotypes they bring with them However, that does not mean that the psychological problems derived from infertility should be overlooked or even underestimated, because no matter how much they are based (in part) on social conventions, emotional pain truly exists, and therefore we must take them into account. oh really.
3. Sexual dysfunctions
Mentally, for some couples (or members thereof) paternity and maternity are linked to genitality. Therefore, cases of infertility are capable of promoting the appearance of sexual dysfunctions linked to insecurity and fear of making a fool of ourselves “I’m not good for this”, “this doesn’t make sense” are relatively common thoughts among those who believe that they are biologically “broken” for anything that has to do with sex and reproduction.
In a certain age group, it is normal that one of the topics that arise when socializing with other people of the same generation is raising children, funny anecdotes about taking care of the baby, etc. This can cause a feeling of grievance and loneliness if interpreted inappropriately and can even predispose one to social isolation, not wanting to meet up with friends so as not to go through that frustrating experience again.
5. Relationship crisis
Due to all of the above, the painful memories associated with infertility are capable of making life as a couple no longer pleasant, by being a constant reminder of what produces frustration
Psychotherapy applied to cases of infertility
Fortunately, while infertility is usually a long-term condition and there are no partial improvements (either you are able to have a viable baby or not), The negative psychological effects linked to it can be treated effectively if you have professional help of psychotherapists.
In these interventions, adapted to the characteristics and needs of each couple or patient, psychologists establish strategies to help those who visit us in two parallel ways: changing the way in which infertility is interpreted, and promoting lifestyle habits that help feel good with the resources you have.
In this way, regardless of whether or not it is possible to have a baby over time, patients adopt a philosophy of life in which happiness is not conditioned by paternity or maternity. And, on the other hand, it also intervenes in possible relationship problems that may have emerged due to poor management of emotions in the face of infertility.
If you are interested in knowing how we work in Cribecca PsicologÃa, psychotherapy center located in Seville you can see more information about us, as well as our contact information, by clicking here.
