Is Infertility Causing My Anxiety?
Possibly - and nobody would blame you for feeling anxious but before you slap that label on yourself let’s look at other reasons why your brain might be interpreting those sensations as anxiety and ways to hack those sensations before they get bigger and more difficult to manage.
The brain and body are sharing information all day long - it’s not a one way street from the brain to the body. Yet we tend to think of the brain as the location of all information about what’s going on above and below the neck. We give the mind waaaay too much credit (and way too much freedom that it makes us miserable).
So what else could be causing you to feel like this if it’s not actually anxiety? (And what can you do about it?)
Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to the grand arena where anxiety goes head-to-head with its imposters. In one corner, we have the sleep-deprived zombies, fueled by caffeine-induced jitters. And in the other corner, the reigning champion, the undefeated heavyweight, Actual Anxiety! Let the battle begin as we explore the various nuances of feeling anxious due to lack of sleep, caffeine overload, meds and the real McCoy.
Round 1: The Sleepless Saga:
Picture yourself stumbling through the day like a caffeinated sloth, courtesy of an all-night Netflix marathon. You're jittery, unfocused, and the world feels like a bizarre dream. You constantly forget things, like your keys or the plot of the TV show you binge-watched last night. Oh, the horror! But fear not - for this is the comical realm of Sleep Deprivation Anxiety, where absent-mindedness and odd behavior reign supreme.
Round 2: Caffeine Chronicles:
Enter the caffeine fiend, armed with triple espresso shots and a can-do attitude. With every sip, their energy skyrockets to stratospheric levels. They conquer tasks with a frenzied enthusiasm, typing faster than the speed of light and talking at a mile a minute. But alas, their excitement soon turns into a caffeinated circus. Hands tremble like maracas, words jumble into nonsensical babble, and their heart pounds like a hyperactive jackhammer. Oh, the exhilaration of Caffeine Overload Anxiety, where productivity meets hilarious chaos!
Round 3: Medication Madness
If overthinking were an Olympic sport, you’d win gold every time thanks to fertility meds. Your brain can feel like it’s on anxiety overload! Who needs caffeine when you've got fertility meds…you’re wired, anxious, and ready to conquer the world...or at least conceive a tiny human!
Round 4: Actual Anxiety Takes the Stage:
Let’s get ready to ruuuuumble!!! Prepare to meet the ultimate heavyweight champion, Actual Anxiety, ready to unleash a wave of worry that puts the previous contenders to shame. Unlike its counterparts, Actual Anxiety doesn't rely on lack of sleep or caffeinated concoctions. It thrives on its own unique blend of existential dread, racing thoughts, and irrational fears. It's the kind of anxiety that leaves you questioning your life choices while simultaneously worrying about the lint on your favorite sweater. It's a rollercoaster of emotions that takes you from nail-biting to emotional eating, and finally, to the profound realization that life is just one big existential crisis.
Ways to Reduce Actual Anxiety
Mindful meditation is associated with improved sleep quality. Mindfulness and meditation techniques also help calm the mind and reduce anxiety throughout the day. As you learned in earlier articles the left side of the brain is a wild story teller (lies mostly). By focusing on the present moment without judgment, mindfulness helps break the cycle of anxious thoughts. Set aside a few minutes each day to engage in mindfulness meditation or guided relaxation exercises. Lack of sleep can significantly impact anxiety levels. Establish a regular sleep routine, aiming for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Create a sleep-friendly environment by keeping your bedroom dark, quiet, and cool. Limit exposure to screens before bedtime, and practice relaxation techniques to promote better sleep. Try some of the Sleep Sessions in the FertileMind app tonight.
Regular Exercise - it helps burn off that anxious energy and releases feel good chemicals in the brain. Regular exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood boosters and stress reducers. Find an activity you enjoy, such as walking, swimming, dancing, or yoga, and aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.
Aim for a Balanced Lifestyle: A healthy lifestyle can contribute to reduced anxiety. Prioritize self-care activities such as spending time with loved ones, and practicing stress management techniques. Aim for a healthy balanced diet, limiting caffeine and alcohol intake, and staying hydrated.
Remember, while these tips have been proven effective for many women and men coping with fertility challenges everyone's experience with anxiety is unique. It's important to find what works best for you and to seek professional help if needed.
Tracy
