While often viewed as a physical issue, infertility can have a massive impact on a person’s mental health. In one study of 200 heterosexual couples struggling with infertility, half of the women described infertility as “the most upsetting experience of their lives.” If you’re finding it hard to cope with infertility, you’re not alone. This article will break down the emotional difficulties common in infertility, the importance of finding a therapist to support you, and other ways you can cope. Understanding the emotional impact of infertility While everyone’s experiences are unique, there are several emotional struggles...

This article is sponsored by BetterHelp, the world’s largest professional therapy platform, done online.  Like many people, I was nervous to start therapy for the first time. When I started getting panic attacks in my early 20s, I finally signed up for therapy and realized that everything I knew about it was wrong. Instead of analyzing ink blots and the unconscious meaning behind my dreams, my therapist and I worked on developing coping mechanisms and stress management skills, so I could eventually manage my anxiety on my own.  I started feeling better within weeks, which I credit...

Three days after my D&C from a missed miscarriage, I walked the beach with my mom.  It was a sunny May morning, the kind of day that tells you summer’s on the way — but all I could see were dark, heavy clouds looming overhead.  We were wading in the water and collecting shells when I found a dime with my birth year. I had no doubt it was a sign from someone or something much bigger than me… a reminder to have hope, even at my lowest point.  I’d been through a miscarriage before, and...

In the past five years, I have been to more doctor’s appointments than I can count. From multiple rounds of IVF to being diagnosed with a thyroid autoimmune condition to several (unsuccessful) attempts at getting to the bottom of my PCOS, I’ve seen my fair share of healthcare professionals in my 35 years. As a woman with various health concerns, I recognize that getting multiple medical opinions is a necessary evil in our current healthcare climate — but integrated healthcare shouldn’t be this hard. About a year ago, fed up after 5 unsuccessful embryo transfers with no baby — or...

Most of my social media feed these days is filled with advice on everything from dating rules and setting boundaries to which lip oil you should buy. There's something to be said for finding relatability with other 20-somethings navigating life alongside you, but I tend to be cautious about the advice I consume on social media. Comparison is the thief of joy, and although I try my best not to, it's only natural to compare your journey to others' when thousands of videos are showcasing their lives. This leads you to question your daily decisions based...

This post is sponsored by BetterHelp, the world’s largest professional therapy platform done online. I think I’ve struggled with anxiety since I was a child, way before I ever started going to therapy in my twenties. I am confident in this because my anxiety feels like an old friend who shows up in familiar ways. Yes, it’s grown up with me, but sometimes the spiraling thoughts I feel as a 31-year-old woman aren’t far off from what I felt when I was seven years old.  One of the trademarks of my anxiety is something called catastrophizing or...

This post is sponsored by BetterHelp, the world’s largest professional therapy platform done online. The state of your mental and physical health impacts one another. For instance, the American Psychological Association notes that too much stress can have downstream negative effects on everything from your heart health to your nervous system. In an interview with Rescripted, Sreela Stovall, Ph.D., LMHC, Clinical Operations Manager at BetterHelp, walked us through how endometriosis — defined as tissue similar, but not identical, to the lining of the uterus that is found elsewhere in the body — can and does impact so many people’s mental health. ...

A few days ago, a friend sent me a video featuring a conspiracy theory about Kate Middleton’s whereabouts. It led to what was, admittedly, a fascinating little rabbit hole to travel down, with more conspiracy theories along the way. But it also left me feeling incredibly disappointed about the way people are speculating about the royal’s health. For those who are unfamiliar, a refresher: In January, Kensington Palace announced that Kate underwent a planned abdominal surgery that would require a 10-14 day hospital stay. At the time, it was announced that Kate would resume public appearances...

This article is sponsored by BetterHelp, the world’s largest professional therapy platform, done online.  Recently, the word “trauma” has made its way into mainstream conversations and online discourse in a whole new way. We’re finally talking about the real, lasting effects tough experiences have on humans. And as a result, many of us are finally getting introspective about the things that have affected us throughout our lives. This is important — but it may also raise questions or uncertainties about how best to heal those traumas. Actually doing the work of trauma healing is hard, but...

This article is sponsored by BetterHelp, the world’s largest professional therapy platform, done online.  You think you may be struggling with anxiety, but you’re not completely sure. This is where most people start getting curious about everything from their symptoms to the different types of treatment that could help them manage them.  Especially since there are so many types of anxiety — from generalized anxiety to postpartum anxiety — wanting to lean on an expert makes sense.  Melissa Hummelt, LPCC, is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with a clinical focus on CBT, and the Senior Clinical Operations...