The American Psychological Society meeting was the background for a remarkable, but also understandable presentation. Allyson Bradow a doctoral student, presented a study in which she surveyed 147 women undergoing infertility treatment. about 46% met criteria for PTSD.
She recommended that all patients undergo counseling during treatment. Good idea!
The truth is, that while many couples will undergo relaxation techniques, message and even acupuncture, psychological counseling is seen as only for the “crazy” Most clinics do not encourage or require counseling, and, while there are some that have counselors on staff, they rarely do more than gather support groups together.
It’s not that there is no data. Alice Domar has done terrific research and practicum in stress and fertility and has trained many on methods to help reduce the psychological damage that infertility can cause
Other studies have shown the power of prayer in fertility. That is also not surprising, as prayer is the first step in accepting God’s will. It is even in the Our Father ” Thy Kingom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven”. So many people let those words trip off their lips without thinking about it. Even the body language that many use (though it is not in the Canon) of raising their hands is supposed to help us give everything to God.
Then we leave, and get right back behind the wheel of the bus.
Can you imagine how the world would be different if we all really let go of ourselves and let God in?
St Gianna, pray for us
St Anne, pray for us!
Related articles
- Fertility Treatment Puts Women at Risk of Stress Disorder (livescience.com)
