How to deal with depression and stress during infertility.

Medical intervention may exacerbate the levels of anxiety, stress and depression having a psychological impact of infertility and treatment on the pregnant women. Some of the therapies that may help deal with this depression and stress include

Yoga

Yoga in its truest form is all about harmonizing the body in coordination with the mind through various breathing techniques, yoga postures, and meditation. This connection between mind and body plays an important role in reducing stress and achieving fertility success. Yoga helps counteract anxiety-driven depression because it reduces stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline.

Diet

Stress causes an increase in the cortisol levels enhancing the person’s appetite promoting weight gain. A dietary guide characterized by an increased intake of fruit, vegetables, whole grain, fish, olive oil, low-fat dairy and antioxidants and low intakes of animal foods was actually associated with a reduced risk of depression. A dietary pattern characterized by an elevated consumption of red and/or processed meat, refined grains, sweets, high-fat dairy products, butter, potatoes and high-fat gravy, and low intake of fruits and vegetables is related with an increased risk of depression.

Counseling

Counselling aims to support a person in understanding why and how depression may be happening at this period of time. Varying on the type of circumstances, counselling may include a program to help you increase activity and exercise, assertiveness and relaxation. Counselling also includes cognitive therapy to help assist and understand the role that thoughts play a prominent role in increasing the level of depression. Studies have shown that addressing psychological factors such as depression, anxiety, and stress through counselling may help increase the chances of giving birth to a child.

Psychotherapy

Interpersonal therapy (which focuses on improving relationships or resolving conflicts with others) and cognitive behavioural therapy (which identifies and tries to change unhealthy patterns of thought or behaviour) can help relieve stress in infertile patients suffering from mild to moderate depression.

Relaxation techniques

Known that infertility and its treatment frequently cause significant stress, experts advocate various relaxation techniques. For example, meditation, deep breathing, and guided imagery promote stress management Best Gynecologist in Chennai

Medications

Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medication are helpful when symptoms are moderate to severe in nature. Nevertheless, it is always required that the considerable risks to the developing fetus be weighed against the benefits.

For example, birth control pills prescribed to control ovulation might reduce blood levels of certain benzodiazepines, including lorazepam (Ativan), while increased blood levels of other medications, such as alprazolam (Xanax) and imipramine (Tofranil). It is therefore important for patients and clinicians to weigh all these factors when making a decision regarding the medication.