Mental health platform Headspace has launched a new collection of free mental health resources tailored specifically for individuals navigating fertility challenges. In partnership with Spring Fertility, a prominent network of fertility clinics, Headspace aims to provide much-needed support to those facing the emotional and psychological difficulties associated with infertility.
The new collection, titled “Support For Your Fertility Journey,” includes guided meditations, mindfulness exercises, audio conversations, and a docu-style video series. These resources are designed to help individuals cope with the mental health impacts of fertility challenges, which can range from anxiety and depression to feelings of isolation and grief.
“Infertility can have profound effects on mental health,” said Dr. Nicole Yoder, a fertility specialist at Spring Fertility’s New York City clinic. “Because of this, it is incredibly important that individuals and couples navigating infertility have access to mental health support and resources. In partnering with Headspace on this collection, our hope is that these meditations and conversations can serve as another resource so that more people navigating fertility journeys can feel seen, supported, and not alone.”
The collection was developed in response to the growing demand for fertility-centered mental health resources. The National Institute of Health has found that 25-60% of individuals experiencing fertility challenges report psychiatric symptoms, with heightened levels of anxiety and depression. The overturning of Roe v. Wade and subsequent restrictions on in vitro fertilization (IVF) access in certain states have further exacerbated these issues, leading to increased stress and uncertainty for many.
Rosie Acosta, a Headspace Meditation & Mindfulness Teacher, shared her personal experience, stating, “After my third miscarriage, it was incredibly tough not to fall into a sea of self-blame and regret. I began to mourn the loss of my dream of becoming a mother and having the family I once envisioned. The self-blame was crippling. Needing a break from the merry-go-round of guilt, confusion and negative self-talk, I decided to lean into uncertainty and discomfort and become friends with the normally isolating emotions. Through mindfulness and meditation, I was able to ground myself in the present to let go of resentment, grief, and heartbreak associated with my fertility journey. We developed this collection in partnership with leading mental health experts and fertility specialists to help others going through similar experiences.”
The content in the collection covers various aspects of the fertility journey, including:
- Listening to the mind and body: Techniques to help cultivate trust in one’s body and compassion for the journey.
- Coping with feelings of isolation: Ways to navigate loneliness while recognizing that fertility challenges are part of a shared human experience.
- Holding space for grief: Methods to acknowledge and normalize the losses that can occur during a fertility journey.
- Uncertainty around fertility: Strategies to build resilience, patience, and strength.
- Self-care and fertility: Practices to provide moments of respite from emotional and physical overwhelm.
Eve Lewis Prieto, Director of Teaching at Headspace, emphasized the importance of mental health support during the fertility journey, saying, “The road to conception and having a family isn’t easy for many people – in fact, it can be a long, expensive, and painful rollercoaster. As a meditation and mindfulness teacher, I’ve spent years teaching others how to take care of their mind and body, cultivate a balance of mind, and hold themselves with compassion and tenderness when going through tough times. While facing a huge unknown myself, I wanted to share meditation practices and mindfulness techniques that have helped me on my own journey.”
In addition to the mental health resources, Headspace has partnered with Spring Fertility’s grant program to offer financial support for those seeking IVF treatment. The program will cover the costs of up to one cycle of IVF for a member of the Headspace community. Headspace is also collaborating with Rescripted, an online resource for women to find the support they need to advocate for themselves, to feature the new fertility collection and mental health experts in a series of articles aimed at their community.
