Peer Support Groups
What Happens at a RESOLVE Support Group?
Support group meetings are a wonderful place to vent frustrations, gather information and be with people just like you. We take turns sharing as much about our personal experiences with infertility as we feel comfortable doing. Some of us have had miscarriages, some have gone through IVF, some are trying other treatments, some are deciding between treatment and adoption and some are trying to decide whether to remain child-free. Diagnoses and treatment choices vary. We talk about it all. It is a safe place to express yourself, as well as get information—from those who have firsthand experience—about treatments, practitioners, books, resources and alternative therapies. In addition, the financial burden of infertility is commonly discussed as well. While Ohio is considered a “mandate state,” insurance coverage for infertility is rarely provided, further complicating decision-making for many of us.
While you might be nervous about attending a support group meeting, we hope you take that first step and join us. Developing connections with others who are “in the same boat” helps you know that you’re not alone. Studies have found that infertility causes as much stress and depression as heart disease, HIV and cancer. Unfortunately, most of our friends and family don’t understand what it’s like for those of us experiencing infertility. It’s nice to be with people who “get it”—people who know what you mean when you mention medical and adoption terms like “IVF” and “homestudies”—but most important, people who truly understand what you’re going through.
We look forward to seeing you at our next support group meeting!
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