Psychologists and Psychiatrists
Infertility can be a very distressing problem to have to deal with. If you and your partner are undergoing fertility diagnosis or treatments, or if you have been unsuccessful with conception, you are probably going through a rollercoaster of emotions. From anger to relief, happiness to sadness, this multitude of emotion can sometimes be challenging to understand and deal with. If you or your partner are having problems with your fertility, you may consider visiting a psychologist or psychiatrist. Both of these professionals are trained to help people deal with a range of emotional concerns, and can be very helpful when it comes to dealing with infertility.
When Should You Seek Professional Counseling?
Professional counseling is now recommended for all couples who are dealing with infertility. Whether you are actively trying IUI or IVF, or if you are dealing with a recent infertility diagnosis, infertility treatment can bring out many different emotions. It is important to be able to have someone to talk to who can help you deal with these emotions. In particular, you and your partner may want to seek help from a psychologist or psychiatrist if you are experiencing any of the following:
- anger with yourself or your partner
- guilt, sadness, or depression concerning infertility
- problems with your personal or work relationships
- change in appetite, weight, or daily activities
- feelings of self harm or suicide
Coping with Infertility: Seeing a Psychologist
You and your partner may decide to see a psychologist to help you deal with the emotional demands of infertility. A psychologist is a professional counselor who studies your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors from a scientific perspective. They help you to understand your emotions, fears, and anxieties. They also provide you with concrete ways in which to manage your emotions and change your behaviors in ways that are healthy for you.
What Conditions Do Psychologists Treat?
Clinical psychologists treat a wide range of people who may be dealing with a variety of emotional or mental health concerns. Psychologists often treat:
- addiction
- depression
- mental disorders
- stress
- anxiety
What Qualifications does a Psychologist Have?
Psychologists have an in-depth knowledge of human behavior and cognition. All psychologists must complete a four-year Bachelor’s degree in psychology. This is followed by the completion of a 2-year Master’s degree and a 5 to 7-year Doctorate degree in psychology. These studies involve both research and clinical internships. In order to practice with the public, psychologists must also be licensed or certified in their state or province. In the United States, psychologists are licensed by the American Board of Professional Psychologists.
How a can Psychologist Help You Deal with Infertility
Psychologists typically provide therapy that is goal-oriented. Through talk therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy, a psychologist can aid you in identifying the emotional concerns that you are having regarding your infertility. She will also help you to identify ways in which you can deal with those emotions and will help you work towards your goals. Whether it’s improving your mood or improving your relationship with your partner, a psychologist can help you by using tailored psychotherapy techniques, including personal interviews, surveys, questionnaires, and role playing.
Coping with Infertility: Seeing a Psychiatrist
You and your partner may choose to see a psychiatrist for help when it comes to dealing with the emotional aspects of fertility treatments. Psychiatrists are medical doctors that have extra education and training in the fields of mental and emotional health. They help to address mental issues by treating both your mind and body. Unlike psychologists, psychiatrists often treat patients using both psychotherapy and prescription medication.
What Conditions Do Psychiatrists Treat?
Psychiatrists often treat people who are suffering from specific mental illnesses, including:
- depression
- anxiety
- phobias
- addiction
- schizophrenia
However, psychiatrists are also qualified to deal with milder emotional concerns and issues that may not warrant a clinical diagnosis.
What Qualifications does a Psychiatrist Have?
Psychiatrists are highly qualified mental health professionals. Psychiatrists have completed a four-year Bachelor’s degree as well as four years at a recognized medical school. After receiving their medical degree, psychiatrists take on additional training in the field of mental health and pharmacology. In order to practice, psychiatrists must successfully complete a series of oral and written exams offered by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.
How Can a Psychiatrist Help You Deal with Infertility?
A psychiatrist can help you deal with both the emotional and physical concerns that accompany infertility treatment. A psychiatrist may be able to help you deal with infertility by prescribing medications to help improve your mood and mental state. Psychiatrists also combine medical treatment with talk therapy, helping you to express your concerns and emotions. Many psychiatrists also engage in specific therapy techniques, such as hypnosis.
Finding a Psychiatrist or a Psychologist
Because of the great emotional toll infertility can take on a couple, many infertility clinics nowadays employ their own specialized counselors to meet and talk with patients undergoing fertility treatments. While some have a psychologist or psychiatrist on staff, others may have one that comes in once or twice a week to meet with patients. In some cases, your fertility clinic may make it mandatory for you and your partner to meet with their infertility counselor to discuss the emotional side of your treatment.
Fertility clinics that do not have a staff psychologist or psychiatrist often know of or have a preferred doctor that they can recommend. If you are undergoing treatment for infertility and think that speaking with a trained mental health professional would be beneficial for you, talk to your fertility specialist about setting up an appointment.
Male Infertility
