November is quickly moving by, and soon it will be Thanksgiving, with all of the festivities that go along with it. Thanksgiving is meant to be a time when we reflect on all of the things we are thankful for. Although, at times, it may seem difficult to be thankful when so many things in our society and even in our personal lives are causes for deep concern, clouding our ability to see things in a positive light. For anyone dealing with infertility at a time when we should be giving thanks, it becomes even more difficult to remember to be thankful.
Most of us celebrate Thanksgiving by spending time with family or close friends. This is traditionally a time to get caught up with those we may not have seen in a while. This can be an especially anxious time for those dealing with infertility. Some may feel the pressure of the possibility of being asked about their plans to start a family. Having a plan for dealing with these types of questions can go a long way in making you feel more in control of the situation. Below are a few tips that may help you prepare for the uncomfortable side of catching up with friends and family during the holidays:
- Be prepared to share your infertility status, if you are comfortable doing so
- Plan ahead by preparing a general statement about your future plans
- Ask your family and friends to share their stories and give advice
- If you feel you may be in a situation where friends and family may not understand your infertility situation or may not be supportive, don’t be afraid to make alternative plans for Thanksgiving
It’s important to remember what you do have to be thankful for during the holiday season. To prepare yourself mentally, try taking an inventory of the positive aspects of your life that you’re thankful for, such as:
- Your personal strength
- The love of a special person
- Giving love in return
- A special hobby or interest
- Your job
- Your pet(s)
- Dedicated doctors and nurses who are on your side
- Good food
- Thoughtful relatives and friends who ask about support your fertility treatment progress
- Holiday traditions, including coming together with family to celebrate
Tell us what you are thankful for by commenting below. We’d love to hear your stories during this holiday season.