Infertility is always a lot more than just a physical problem or condition. A diagnosis of infertility often brings with it a whole baggage of emotional issues that can affect individual sanity and even break relationships, if not dealt with. While the degree of emotional damage may vary from couple to couple and individual to individual, there is always some level of pain, insecurity and fear to cope with. As with most health-related issues, timely help is the solution.

Sometimes, family members, close friends and even partners might be the wrong people to turn to at times like this. Though they may mean well, it might be hard for them to put themselves in your shoes unless they’ve experienced what you’re going through. They may even end up causing more pain, in the process of trying to help, thereby compounding the issue in your head. At times like this, it is best to seek help from those outside your immediate circle and find proper support for infertility.

Therapy: There are ample options for individuals and couples seeking infertility counselling. Whether you need to discuss with a professional about fertility procedure options available to you, seek help for the emotional strain you’re under or get couples’ therapy for any relationship problems that you’re facing as a result of infertility, there are tons of infertility support options provided by psychologists, counsellors and clinical social workers.

Support Groups: If what you’re really looking for is to walk with someone through this difficult time, a support group may be the best solution. When facing a problem as sensitive and private as infertility, it helps to know that you’re not alone. Meeting in groups, connecting with people and supporting each other through this painful time may be therapeutic in more ways than one. You may finally begin to feel that there are people out there who do get you. And it doesn’t always have to be your family or friends. What’s more, you may also get to find out about new options and procedures and first hand experiences through people who have done it before you. Support groups are usually run by clinicians, psychologists and specialists and your local hospital or fertility clinic, may be a good place to get information. You may look up the internet for group meetings held closest to where you live. Or begin by checking The National Infertility Association and American Fertility Association.

Online Forums: Support groups are great, but don’t always work for everyone; especially if you’re the shy kind... Or the type of person who’d rather deal with infertility issues than meet a group of strangers to discuss your most private problems and fears.

There are plenty of online communities on websites such as Yahoo, Facebook and Windows Live apart from other health/pregnancy/infertility related websites such as www.ivillage.com. Initially, it might be a bit of an information overload and you’ll need to spend some time sifting through forum discussions to pick the one that suits you best.

What is the kind of support you’re looking for? Procedure options? Counselling? Venting? It helps to answer these questions before you find the right group for you. Online communities are a great way to get what you want without divulging too much information. You may even choose to stay anonymous, if privacy is one of your major concerns.

The important thing is to acknowledge that you are going through an emotional crisis and get help without delay. You owe it to yourself and the people closest to you.