One of the most important ways in which Open Path can help people cope with the frustration and isolation of infertility is through its support groups. Since groups generally meet once a week for eight, registering for a group requires a commitment that some members may understandably be reluctant to make.  Perhaps the following information will make it easier for you to decide.

Many of the support group leaders are licensed professionals; all leaders have experienced infertility personally and have experience in counseling, health or related fields. However, support groups are not therapy groups; you will not be psychoanalyzed or expected to participate in encounter sessions.  Nevertheless, support groups are therapeutic in that they have a healing effect by helping participants cope with the stress of infertility.  Participants tend to feel better about themselves, their partnerships or marriages, and are better able to make decisions and choices about their infertility treatment at the conclusion of the group sessions. While the ultimate goal in facing infertility is to reach a resolution, the support group can be seen as one step further in that process.

Many participants form new friendships with group members, which is especially important when everyone else seems to be getting pregnant. (Dealing with pregnant friends and OPEN PATH members is a frequent topic at meetings.) Many, if not most, of the groups decide to continue meeting on their own, either socially or with the group meeting format.

While some time in groups is spent discussing various medical treatments, the emphasis is on the emotional aspect of infertility. While friends may feel you are exaggerating the significance of infertility, the group provides affirmation for the enormous loss infertility represents. You come to realize that you are not alone, and that the mood swings you may be experiencing are normal and to be expected.

Some individuals are more reluctant to attend support groups than others. It is not unusual to hear more than one person say at the first group meeting, “I’m here because my partner made/forced/begged me to come!” Participants often find it reassuring that the difficulties they have been having at home are normal; they’re not crazy! Individuals who do not have partners or who attend without them seem to find it helpful to hear how others react during those monthly letdowns. Many report feeling more understanding of their significant others.

Joining a support group is one way to help bring you out of your isolation and give you the tools to cope with the stress of infertility.

Please check the Open Path calendar for support group meeting dates and registration information.