The simple fact is trying to conceive unsuccessfully can be downright depressing. Sure, there are plenty of possible medical explanations for the Trying To Conceive blues. The bottom line, though, is that the regular cycle of hope, anticipation and disappointment will get to anyone. The emotional roller coaster of trying to conceive isn’t a fun ride.

Added to this is the problem that depression can interfere with fertility. Studies suggest that as many as a third more people who are trying to get pregnant will be successful if they engage in an entire fertility therapy program that includes both physical and emotional treatment. Women who are depressed because of their infertility have less success with infertility treatments, in other words.

So, what can you do to fight the TTC blues? Here are some basic tactics you can use to win the battle:

· Deal with Stress. Trying to conceive is stressful. You need to find ways to deal with it. Basic stress management techniques – from learning how to relax your body to positive affirmations – can all help pare down your anxiety. Learn to handle your stress and you’ll reduce your depression.

· Exercise. Look, it isn’t rocket science. Over and over again, it’s been proven that exercise improves mood. Your body releases those all-powerful endorphins during exercise, which directly combats depression. Get to the gym, get on a treadmill, or do whatever you need to do to get a little bit of physical fitness. Exercise can also help the body part of trying to conceive, so you’ll get an added benefit.

· Diet. The same is true with diet. The foods you eat affect your mood, and they affect your ability to conceive as well. Make sure you’re getting all the nutrients you need. Stay away from fatty foods, and eat a balanced diet. It’ll do wonders, both in terms of the TTC blues and the TTC itself.

· Talk with your health care provider. Sometimes, just an hour or two of therapy a month can help give you the tools you need to manage your TTC blues. In some cases, medications may be an option, as well, especially if you’re experiencing severe depression.

This entry was posted on Thursday, December 3rd, 2009 and is filed under Trying to Conceive.