World Mental Health Day: pausing to reflect on your fertility journey

Today is World Mental Health Day, it’s a day when many of us take a step back and check in on how we’re doing. You’ll likely see it mentioned on your social feeds, in conversations, and across the news. There’ll be advice on how to support yourself and those around you. But what does it really mean when you’re in the middle of fertility treatment?

Because when you’re going through IVF or any fertility journey, your focus is already somewhere else. It’s on what’s happening next. The next appointment. The next injection. The next scan. Or waiting to see if this cycle has worked.

• The mental load of fertility treatment
• Trying not to compare your journey to others
• What you might be feeling
• How we can support your mental health
• Tips for supporting yourself
• Conclusion: You're doing more than you realise

The mental load of fertility treatment

Fertility treatment is structured and clinical by nature. From that first GP referral to the final scan before you’re passed to your midwife, everything has a purpose. It’s built to give you the best chance of success. But it’s not just physical. The mental and emotional side is just as real—though it often gets less attention.

Trying to conceive, particularly when you need medical help, can be a quiet, heavy burden. There’s grief, uncertainty, and sometimes shame, even though there shouldn’t be. There’s anxiety about each stage, and often pressure to stay hopeful. It’s no wonder people describe it as a rollercoaster.

You might feel like you're coping one day and totally overwhelmed the next. That doesn’t mean you're not strong. It means you're human.

Everyone’s path looks different

At Care Fertility, we meet people from all walks of life. Some have tried naturally for years. Others come to us early, knowing they’ll need support to build their family. Many have been through loss. Some arrive with hope. Others bring exhaustion. Everyone’s journey is different. Everyone’s story matters.

Even if you have supportive friends and family, it’s hard for people who haven’t been through it to truly understand. The treatment itself can feel isolating, especially when it seems like everyone else around you is moving forward with ease.

That’s why today matters. Because mental health doesn’t always look the same. And for those navigating fertility challenges, it's often an unseen part of the journey.

What you might be feeling (and why it’s normal)

It’s common to feel:

• Anxious about results – even when you know it’s out of your control
• Guilty or confused – especially when others tell you to “just relax”
• Frustrated by your body – or disconnected from it
• Numb, tired, or tearful – even when things seem to be going “well”

You are not alone in feeling any of these things. These aren’t signs that something is wrong with you. They’re natural responses to a deeply emotional experience.

How we support your mental health at Care Fertility

Our team doesn’t just see your results. We see you. From your very first visit, we’re here to listen, support, and make sure you feel cared for throughout your journey.

All our staff are trained to provide compassionate support. We know that sometimes, a kind conversation in the waiting room can make a huge difference.

But for those who need more, we also have a team of experienced fertility counsellors. These are professionals who specialise in supporting people through treatment. They understand the ups and downs and are trained to help you find tools to cope, communicate, and carry on.

You can access counselling at any stage of your journey with us. Whether you’re just starting, going through treatment, or navigating what comes after, you don’t need to wait until you’re at breaking point.

If you're a Care Fertility patient and want to access counselling, simply speak to our Patient Services Team through your treatment companion app, Salve, or call your clinic directly.

A few ways to support yourself right now

While every person’s experience is different, here are a few things that may help:

• Give yourself permission to feel. It’s okay if today isn’t a “strong” day.
• Talk about it, even if it’s just to one person who gets it.
• Take breaks from online forums or social media when it’s too much.
• Do something kind for yourself, no matter how small. A walk, a bath, or a cup of tea with no phone.
• Ask for help. You don’t need to do this all on your own.

You’re doing more than you think

Fertility treatment is full of medical steps, but there’s an emotional journey happening in the background too. Today is a reminder to pause and recognise the mental strength that’s often hidden under the surface.

If you’re in treatment now, or have been before, know this: your feelings are valid. Your experience matters. And you are not alone.

At Care Fertility, we’ll keep doing everything we can to support your mental health, not just your physical treatment.

Take a moment today. Breathe. Reflect. Reach out. You're already doing so much—and we see you.