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Why Does Depression Happen?

Depression can be the result of many different factors, particularly when it is related to infertility. Generally, episodes of depression can be linked to:

• Biological Factors: Depression is often the result of an imbalance of neurotransmitters within the brain. Neurotransmitters, like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, are responsible for sending messages throughout the brain. These messages often regulate mood. If these neurotransmitters become unbalanced, this can trigger a change in mood.
• Genetics: There appears to be a genetic link to depression in some people. Depression tends to run in families, so if you have a close family member who suffers from depression, there is an increased likelihood that you will too.
• Environment: Environment also plays a strong role in causing depression. Environmental factors, like stress, loss, or change often trigger episodes of depression.

Your battle with infertility may be stressful enough to trigger a depressive episode, particularly if you are already genetically predisposed to depression.

Depression Treatment During Infertility

Depression can really take a toll on your emotional and physical well being. It can also impact your relationship with your partner, particularly during this stressful time. This is why it is so important to receive help for depression.

There are a number of different treatments available to help manage depression. They are often used in combination with one another to provide the best results.

Medications

Medications are available for treating depression. Known as antidepressants, these depression medications work to alter the balance of neurotransmitters in your brain, helping to improve mood. Your health care provider can recommend the antidepressant that will work best for you. Some antidepressants used to treat depression include:

• tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)
• selective serotonin uptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
• monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)

Therapy

Therapy is often used to treat depression, and is especially important when dealing with infertility depression. Though it can sometimes be difficult for men to talk about their emotions, it is important to acknowledge and address the feelings caused by your battle with infertility.

Talking with your partner is often one of the best ways to address depression. A counselor, psychologist, or psychiatrist may be able to facilitate open and honest conversation between both of you. One-on-one therapy may also be beneficial in helping to eliminate negative thought patterns and behaviors.

Support groups

Alternately, you may wish to find a support group that can help you to overcome depression caused by infertility. Support groups for male infertility can often be very helpful. These support groups can provide you with the opportunity to speak with other men who are battling infertility, as well as to express your own emotions regarding treatments and future family planning.