Ep 272: Anxiety, Anger and Baby-Making: Let's talk Mental Health

In this episode, Dr. Abby Eblen from Nashville Fertility Center, Dr. Carrie Bedient from the Fertility Center of Las Vegas, and Dr. Susan Hudson from Texas Fertility Center are joined by special guest Dr. Ida Eden, a reproductive psychiatrist in private practice and an adjunct faculty member at Weill Cornell Medical Center in New York City. Dr. Eden shares valuable insights on coping with infertility. She explains how anxiety is common for many and can be managed positively. Sometimes it can manifest in unexpected ways such as anger or intellectualization (doing lots of Google searches) and how different defense mechanisms—good and bad—play a role. She discusses the importance of recognizing whether anxiety serves a purpose and emphasizes optimizing mental health through simple but effective strategies, such as exercise, social connections, and proper sleep. We explore the use of medications for mental health during pregnancy and how doctors assess whether to continue or adjust treatment. Finally, the conversation delves into the cost of mental health care, resources for those without insurance coverage, and the availability of telemedicine options. Tune in for an insightful discussion on mental well-being and practical ways to manage anxiety.

This episode was brought to you from ReceptivaDx and IVF Florida.