Social Media 😩

[Sarah_a_2018]

I haven't posted on here in a while, just getting ready to start preparing for our FET in November, I've been using my Instagram account to blog our IVF journey and reach out to people in similar situations that can understand and relate to what were going through and I found it helpful as my family don't understand and I don't have any friends that I can talk to about IVF and fertility.

I decided to delete my Facebook and Instagram for now since it's not really helpful to me right now and is causing me more upset, which was only proven when I was private messaged by a lady I was in a group chat with who basically asked me to leave as I'm now the only one who's not pregnant (there were 5 of us on the group) and it was suggested I might want to join another TTC group chat as they don't want to upset me and want to feel comfortable talking about pregnancy, and they can't do that with me in the group! So I left and just decided it would be best just to remove myself from social media and just focus on me but then most of my support network has been virtual 😏

Just wondering how much anyone used social media to network with other people/couples experiencing fertility difficulties and IVF and do you find it helpful or do you get support from family/friends? I know it will help me in the long run taking a break from Facebook and Instagram but I'm now worried I'll end up isolating myself 🙈

[Kyell2]

I’m so sorry. That sounds bloody tough and very unfair to exclude you because you aren’t pregnant.

I only use this site really and I’m in a Facebook group for my clinic but I prefer this site. Could you maybe come on here a bit more, we’d all be more than happy to listen 😊.

I think a break sounds like a great plan. Social media usually only portrays people at their happiest when we all now that life doesn’t work that way.

I think the fertility network also runs face to face groups. Sending hugs your way xx

[mushy19]

I agree with @kyell2 come on here more often. This forum has been such a great support network for me as you find the people here are so supportive.

In my culture infertility is more or less a no no.... it’s not a topic for discussion with friends or family really.

I’ve been able to honestly open up with my feelings and experiences and have even learnt so much from others struggles which i would have never of known people are going through what I was or worse.

All the best... don’t isolate yourself x

[crisps88]

This site has literally kept sane/from going over the edge/completely depressed. I have 2 best friends I can talk to and my husband is my best friend so I tell him everything and anything. Therefore I have a good support network, my mum and MIL knew only about first not second cycle so i spoke to them.

This site honestly literally is amazing. I can get advice and see what others are going through and help them. I use the site to help me with my infertility but also virtual friends.

But going on to Facebook and Instagram kind of takes away from the absolute consumption of ivf and looking at frivolous things on there.

Either way, try not to get too consumed online and stay in touch with reality whether with work colleagues, friends, family or just general human contact. Hope this helps xxx

[Sarah_a_2018]

Thanks everyone 😊 I think I will spend a bit more time on here xxx

[Drives in reply to Sarah_a_2018]

Definitely do that! 😉 This site and all the lovely members have been so supportive through our journey. I've got a good support network but it wasn't the same as having the support of people going through the same thing as you. I would never have got through IVF without his group!

Sorry to hear you've not had a good experience on social recently- people can be so insensitive without even realising sometimes. I found social hard with continuous pregnancy announcements and baby pics. His site is different though- you really want to celebrate the positive news of other members.

I hope you find it as supportive as I did and good luck on your journey x x

[farrrera]

Hmm... Well there are many social media platforms these days and comparing and selecting the best is not right. But among some of the best well-known social media platforms like Facebook - onlypult.com/ Instagram, WhatsApp has achieved great success. Facebook is quite popular even right now, but trends are falling and people are now moving to Instagram. It is all up to you and your usage and usefulness which decides the best app for you!