Fertility difficulties affect many people. The NHS estimates that around 1 in 7 couples in the UK may have difficulty conceiving, and the World Health Organization estimates that around 1 in 6 people globally experience infertility. Across Europe, more than 1.15 million assisted reproductive technology treatment cycles were reported in 2023, resulting in 247,021 births.
You may know you need support without yet knowing what would help. Whatever has brought you here, you aren't alone.
Read more: The Emotional Impact of IVF and Fertility Treatment
Many people ask themselves, “Why am I depressed?” Feeling low in mood, lacking energy, or struggling with motivation can be confusing and upsetting. You might notice your mood stays low for weeks, affecting your ability to enjoy life, work, or connect with others. These are common experiences of depression.
You are not alone. You won't always feel like this.
Read more: Why Am I Depressed? Understanding Low Mood and Feeling Stuck
Trauma is not just the difficult event itself, it’s the impact that the event has on our mind, body, and sense of safety. Many people think trauma has to be something extreme, but it can come from a wide range of experiences. What matters most is how overwhelming or threatening the experience felt at the time, and how it continues to affect us now.
A helpful way to understand trauma is to imagine a tree.
Read more: Understanding Trauma: The Roots, the Tree, and the Possibility of Growth
Birth can be an overwhelming experience, and for some, it can leave lasting emotional scars. The Birth Trauma Enquiry has shed light on just how common it is for people to experience trauma during or after childbirth. This isn’t due to a lack of strength or preparation—it’s often the result of factors beyond anyone’s control. Whether it’s a difficult delivery, feeling unsupported, or unexpected medical interventions, birth trauma can lead to a very real and distressing experience known as birth-related PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder).
Private Psychological Wellbeing Services Manchester
Dr Tara Seed