Mental health

[Patches86]

I think anxiety is inevitable when it comes to IVF and loss (especially during a pandemic). This sh*t is hard!

However I feel like I’ve reached the point (or probably been here for a long time but now come to the realisation rather) than I need further help regarding my mental health through this process and am considering reaching out for a prescription for medication.

Yes, I can “push through” - as I’ve been doing for years, but I’m now questioning why I’m doing that, and being so hard on my poor body and mind, when there might be something else out there that can help. (I do already have counseling once every two weeks through my clinic).

Pre-IVF I wouldn’t even take a paracetamol for a headache, so in a way this feels like a big step for me!

I know help can look different for everyone but for those of you who have maybe taken this step before me, I’d love to hear your experiences, whether it helped, what you were prescribed, if it’s ongoing medication you take or if it’s something you can take to help on really bad days?

Sending extra love to all those who need it x

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK]

Hi Patches. So sorry to hear that you are having a tough time just now. There are some medications that can be used alongside fertility drugs, so speak to your GP/specialist for something to support you. No need to suffer in silence, so ask, and I do wish you well. Diane

[Pinksunshine39]

Hi Patches, going through this is so tough! I had a failed donor round in June after several goes with my own eggs. It went so badly I still can’t believe it. We had said at that time it was our last round and I was really struggling with my mental health. My GP put me on setraline ( I think that’s what it’s called 🙈) on the lowest dose. Since then my partner and I have decided to have another go but we are having a really decent break. We both need to. My doctor has said that the medication I’m is safe to take if I do fall pregnant in the future. I’m taking one tablet a day and I have to say it is making a difference for me. Sending you lots strength and love ❤️ xx

[Patches86 in reply to Pinksunshine39]

Thank you for sharing your experience. It makes me feel less alone although obviously wouldn’t wish this anxiety on anyone! I’ll have a google of that medication. All the best for your next go after your break x

[Bananajuice]

Hi Patches, I’ve been on Sertraline for 2 years. Started 50mg after a traumatic event (not linked to Ivf) and after a couple of months increased to 100mg and felt great. We started Ivf just as lockdown hit and our first clinic advised that I should only be on 50mg so I decreased it again and slowly became obsessed with coming off it as had convinced myself that was best for my body and would get a us pregnant! We had 2 failed rounds with 2 different clinics. I’ve since spoken to the 2nd clinic as our next round will be our 3rd and final try. They advised that Sertraline is completely safe and that I need to prioritise my mental health, especially with Covid. I’m back up to 100mg and feel great again. My anxiety has massively eased and I don’t feel erratic or constantly on the verge of tears. We are about to start our 3rd go and who knows if it will work but I feel good going into it. I know the roller coaster will still take hold but I’m doing everything I can to help myself and would recommend help if you need it. I’m also listening to/reading lots of mindset stuff including Marissa Peers book, How to get Pregnant and succeeding. I don’t agree with all of it but I do believe we all need to be kinder to ourselves, especially when going through IVF. Sending you lots off love, you are not alone xx

[Patches86 in reply to Bananajuice]

Hi Bananajuice, thanks for this info! Like you were at one point, I think I’m a bit nervous that the meds would influence an outcome, even if the clinic say it’s safe. That’s my hesitancy. But you are right - we have to prioritize our mental health and feeling good going into it again (as you are now) might be what actually helps it work! All the best for your 3rd go xx

[Bananajuice in reply to Patches86]

Ivf is so tough and is such a rollercoaster, don’t feel like you have to push through. Talk to your doctor and clinic and be honest with how you are feeling. Sending you lots of love xx

[soccerkt6]

Hi lovely

I just wanted to thank you for writing this post! I've been feeling the exact same lately and have been contemplating asking my GP for anxiety medication, but I wasn't sure if it would be safe to be on while TTC. I've dealt with anxiety for years without the need for medication, but the past year and a half of IVF has really upped the ante and I've been asking myself recently why I'm letting myself struggle so much.

The other comments on sertraline have really reassured me so I think I'll go ahead and ask my GP about a prescription.

So truly, huge thanks for asking the question! You're def not alone. xx

[Patches86 in reply to soccerkt6]

I’m glad to hear this helped you even a little bit. It’s scary to realise you need help, but if it can support us in this struggle I think it can only be a good thing. We are in this together! I’m here if you ever need a chat/vent. Hugs x

[Fizzbip]

Hi Patches86 ... I've been on a low dose of escitalopram for a couple of years after a stressful event unrelated to IVF. I'm in Canada so not sure if that's available where you are, but it's an SSRI. I resisted it for a long time and suffered for no reason and regret not starting it sooner because it helps a lot! I've been reassured several times that it is ok to take during IVF and pregnancy. I think I would've had a much harder time going through IVF without it and will likely look to come off of it sometime this year.

[Patches86 in reply to Fizzbip]

Thanks Fizz, and congrats on your pregnancy! It’s helpful to know I’m not alone and that this helped you so much. It’s reassuring hearing a successful story! All the best x

[Whatarollercoster]

Hi Patches, I had been struggling for a little while after our first round of IVF failed and had a few cancer diagnoses in my family around Christmas. Discussed with my GP and decided to start taking a low dose of sertraline 50mg before my transfer in February. It helped me so much, I am now 29 weeks pregnant and still taking them as it helps with my anxiety so much. My husband is also a doctor and we have decided it is best for me and baby as it's safe to take.

I should also mention I used sertraline for a couple of years in my early 20s when I had a struggle with my mental health.

Well done for recognising you need some extra support and please dont make yourself suffer

Xxx

[Patches86 in reply to Whatarollercoster]

Congrats on your pregnancy ❤️ I’m so sorry to hear about the cancer diagnosis in your family. Sertraline seems to be the one that most people have mentioned, which is so helpful to know and reassures me so much. I appreciate you taking the time to share your experience x