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Egg freezing is not just a physically and financially demanding process. It is also an extremely emotional experience, where taking care of your mental health becomes crucial.
Egg freezing can also take on different meanings for different people. Maybe you’re freezing your eggs because you and your partner would like to grow your family someday but aren’t quite ready yet. Perhaps you're freezing your eggs because you would like to start a family on your own and are thinking about exploring the donor process, or maybe you're freezing your eggs as the first step in fertility treatment. Whatever your reason, fertility preservation is becoming more widely discussed among celebrities, influencers, and more.
Mental health for egg freezing: Tips from a therapist
Still, self-care practices during egg freezing can still feel so confusing and gray — with women often left wondering, “What do I need to do to take care of myself during this mentally taxing time?” Keep reading for practical tips from a licensed mental health counselor who has been there.
Support, support, support
Whether you're in a relationship or not, egg freezing can feel exceptionally lonely and isolating. Many women feel misunderstood and withdrawn from their everyday lives, almost as if they can only focus on the egg-freezing process itself. Support from partners, family, friends, and even co-workers is essential during this time.
Here's how to build your support network:
- Connect with experienced peers. While preparing to start the process, talk to someone who has gone through it before you. Finding peers who've been in your shoes can be comforting and bonding, while also providing practical education and debunking myths that might cause anxiety.
- Lean on trusted loved ones. It's important to have people you trust to talk through any and all emotions that may arise during this time. You can even find support through online or in-person support groups!
- Designate injection support. When beginning the procedure, pick a support person (or team of people) to learn how to do the shots with you. Having others present during daily medications—whether physically or via FaceTime—can help you feel surrounded with positivity and love, while keeping you grounded and "seen" in your space.
Planning ahead
Knowing what's ahead can be a powerful tool during fertility preservation. When so much is out of our control, we naturally look for ways to gain control and ease the chaos in our minds. Instead, try to:
- Focus on what you can control. Remember: "This, too, shall pass!"
- Arm yourself with knowledge! Egg freezing can feel new and unfamiliar, so it's best to understand what else you have going on in your life during this time.
- Be realistic about your energy levels. Fertility preservation, while incredible, can cause physical and mental discomfort. This may not be your most productive or active time.
- Time it strategically. Plan your egg freezing during a period at work when you have the mental capacity to focus on self-care. Schedule the process when you don't have prior family or friend commitments, ensuring you have space and time for activities and people that make you feel your best.
- Prepare your comfort essentials. Stock up on your favorite snacks for days when you aren't feeling your best. Give yourself permission to indulge and spend a day in bed if needed, or go for a walk with your partner or best friend who lifts you up and brings out your best self.
Letting yourself feel
Relaxation and stress reduction are imperative before, during, and after egg freezing. Stress causes an increase in cortisol, which can increase inflammation and lower your immune system (the last thing you want during this process!).
Here's how to honor your emotional experience:
- Give yourself permission to feel whatever comes up—whether that's anxiety, fear, or excitement. What's important is recognizing the emotion, acknowledging it, and understanding why it's there without self-judgment.
- Listen to your body and mind. Pay attention when your body tells you what it needs—whether you're craving certain foods or deciding between a jog or lounging on the couch with a movie.
- Express emotions freely. If you feel like crying, cry! If you have the urge to laugh with a friend, do it! There's no right or wrong when it comes to your emotions.
- Consider therapy as a valuable tool during the egg-freezing process. Having a therapist who can support and challenge you to understand what you're going through can be essential during such a new experience.
When freezing your eggs, anxiety and fear often come from walking into an unknown experience. No matter how prepared you may be, the process can still feel mysterious and surreal.
Remember: you're embarking on this journey for the possibility of something beautiful, whatever that may look like for you. Keeping your end goal in mind will always help you see the bright light at the end of the tunnel.
Jordanne Sculler is a Licensed Psychotherapist and Relationship Expert based in New York City. If you are seeking support or want to learn more about her practice, you can schedule an appointment at www.jordannescullerlmhc.com. For daily tips, follow @jordannesculler on Instagram.