How Does Infertility Affect Mental Health?

How Does Infertility Affect Mental Health?

Infertility is common, affecting 1 in 6 couples worldwide. Infertility and the treatments that often accompany it can be stressful and may bring feelings of grief, anxiety, and depression. Taking care of your physical health, mental health, and relationships can be especially challenging while navigating fertility treatment. That's why Dr. Ruta and Allie sat down with Dr. Pooja Lakshmin, MD, a board-certified psychiatrist, bestselling author, and leading voice in women's mental health. Having experienced infertility herself and guided many patients through the treatment process, Dr. Lakshmin shares what she's learned about tolerating uncertainty, setting boundaries, and protecting emotional well-being during fertility treatment. Whether you're currently undergoing fertility treatment, considering your next step, taking a break, or supporting a loved one, this episode offers practical strategies for navigating the emotional challenges of the infertility journey. Resources: * Read about infertility and mental health from the MGH Center for Women's Mental Health [https://womensmentalhealth.org/posts/infertility-awareness-month-2026/] * Join a support group through RESOLVE [https://resolve.org/get-help/support-groups/]or Postpartum Support International [https://postpartum.net/group/fertility-challenges/] * Learn more about setting realistic boundaries in “Real Self-Care” [https://www.poojalakshmin.com/realselfcare] by Dr. Pooja Lakshmin, MD * Follow people with lived experience and professional expertise in infertility, such as Cheryl Dowling (@the.ivf.warrior) [https://www.instagram.com/the.ivf.warrior/?hl=en] and Dr. Julie Bindeman (@drjuliebindeman) [https://www.instagram.com/drjuliebindeman/] Disclaimer: This podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical care. The views, thoughts, and opinions shared today are the speakers’ own. **Trigger Warning** Anxiety, depression, grief, suicidal ideation  Like What You Heard? * Subscribe so you never miss an episode * Leave us a review to share your feedback * Learn more at sogladyouasked.org [https://sogladyouasked.org/] * Sign up for our newsletter [http://eepurl.com/jjw8ts] and follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/sogladyouaskedpodcast/] for show updates and bonus clips So Glad You Asked with Dr. Ruta Nonacs is brought to you by the MGH Center for Women's Mental Health [https://womensmentalhealth.org/] and the J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation [https://www.jwasmarriottfoundation.org/].

What Should We All Know About Postpartum Psychosis?

Postpartum psychosis affects approximately 1-2 per 1,000 people after childbirth and is the most severe perinatal mental health condition. It is a medical emergency that often requires hospitalization, but with prompt treatment, recovery is possible. Dr. Ruta and Allie are joined by postpartum psychosis survivors and advocates Meghan Cliffel and Kriti Lodha. Together, they discuss what postpartum psychosis is, the symptoms to watch for, how treatment works, and what recovery can look like. They also share what it means to reclaim your story after experiencing postpartum psychosis. People with postpartum psychosis are experiencing a serious medical illness and deserve compassionate, evidence-based care. Whether you've experienced postpartum psychosis yourself or are learning about it for the first time, this episode offers an important opportunity to better understand the condition and help reduce the stigma surrounding this often misunderstood illness. Resources:  * Get Help for Postpartum Psychosis: Information and Resources from PSI [https://www.postpartum.net/get-help/postpartum-psychosis-help/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1jlaxXX6WUSnS2WwRFOMWMBkuM5xybDO4dpSIxHYp9gMoW0J3-ATtQDbI_aem_setFmhsYunbGbMle2XJxlw#:~:text=Call%20or%20text%20the%20National,available%20and%20are%20listed%20here.]  * Join a free, virtual PSI PPP Support Group for survivors  [https://postpartum.net/group/pregnancy-and-postpartum-psychosis-support-for-survivors/]and family members [https://postpartum.net/group/support-for-families-touched-by-postpartum-psychosis-ppp/] * Learn more about the largest research study of PPP survivors at the MGH Postpartum Psychosis Project [https://www.mghp3.org/about-our-research] * Direct provider questions about PPP to the MGH Postpartum Psychosis Consult Line [https://www.mghp3.org/consult-line] for a free consultation staffed by MGH reproductive psychiatrists * Get involved in global advocacy with the PSI Postpartum Psychosis Task Force [https://www.postpartum.net/about-psi/postpartum-psychosis-task-force/]  * Read more from Meghan Cliffel on her website [https://meghancliffel.com/media-and-published-writing] and Substack [https://iloveyoujusthowyouare.substack.com/] NEED IMMEDIATE HELP? Call the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA [https://mchb.hrsa.gov/programs-impact/national-maternal-mental-health-hotline] Disclaimer: This podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical care. The views, thoughts, and opinions shared today are the speakers’ own. **Trigger Warning** Psychosis, hospitalization, suicidal ideation, post-traumatic stress disorder, postpartum depression Meghan Cliffel is a writer and mindfulness teacher whose life was reshaped by her experience with postpartum psychosis. After 20 years in public education—teaching, working at the nation’s largest school district, and founding a nonprofit consulting agency—Meghan now teaches others how to understand their thoughts and emotions through mindfulness, self-inquiry, and compassion. Her lived experience with postpartum psychosis—coming too near to losing everything—informs her writing, speaking, advocacy, and coaching, where she challenges societal expectations of motherhood, achievement, and a life well-lived. Meghan has given interviews and talks to press and clinicians globally and has written for places like the Journal of Psychiatry and the Law and Psychiatric Times. Kriti Lodha is a South Asian mom and seasoned marketing and technology executive with a track record of building and scaling multi-million-dollar businesses, brands, and teams across the SaaS and CPG industries, including Toast and Procter & Gamble. She was motivated to turn her pain into purpose and tackle the maternal mental health crisis head-on after silently battling postpartum psychosis during the pandemic. Today, Kriti proudly serves as Executive Advisor at the Center for Women’s Mental Health at Mass General Hospital, as well as on the Board of Directors of Postpartum Support International. Kriti is also in the early stages of marrying her lived experience and professional expertise to design new models of care delivery that expand access to perinatal mental health treatment for the most vulnerable, high-acuity individuals who too often fall through the cracks or into crisis-based care settings — all while centering equity, community, and the family experience.   Like What You Heard? * Subscribe so you never miss an episode * Leave us a review to share your feedback * Learn more at sogladyouasked.org [https://sogladyouasked.org/] * Sign up for our newsletter [http://eepurl.com/jjw8ts] and follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/sogladyouaskedpodcast/] for show updates and bonus clips So Glad You Asked with Dr. Ruta Nonacs is brought to you by the MGH Center for Women's Mental Health [https://womensmentalhealth.org/] and the J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation [https://www.jwasmarriottfoundation.org/].

How Do I Support My Partner When a New Baby Arrives?

Raising a child takes a village and affects the health and wellbeing of everyone involved. Most resources for new parents, understandably, focus on moms, often leaving out fathers, grandparents, friends, and other caregivers who may need support, too. Dr. Ruta and Allie sit down with Dr. Sheehan Fisher, PhD—Associate Professor and perinatal clinical psychologist at Northwestern University—to talk about how to support a partner after a new baby arrives, when caregivers themselves may need help, and how open, proactive communication can strengthen the wellbeing of the entire family. No matter what your family looks like or how you divide caregiving responsibilities, this episode is for you. Children and families thrive when all caregivers are supported. Resources: * Paternal Mental Health Factsheet [https://www.mmhla.org/paternal-mental-health-fact-sheet?_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9KGyAfe30rP6fTVSrL9hkTt1ADqN-Wthw27DOoAcZDnfttMJt1L4HSszngbz0BkN-1AK9VKuqXCuktI3JIgtoaSXuDjw&_hsmi=424072768] prepared by MMHLA, Dr. Fisher, and Daniel B. Singley, Ph.D., ABPP, PMH-C. * Read more from Dr. Ruta Nonacs (womensmentalhealth.org [https://womensmentalhealth.org/posts/postpartum-depression-in-fathers-lived-experience/]) and Dr. Sheehan Fisher (New York Times [https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/19/well/postpartum-depression-men-fathers.html]) about how postpartum depression shows up in dads. * Postpartum Support International support groups and other resources for fathers [https://postpartum.net/get-help/help-for-dads/], single parents [https://postpartum.net/group/single-perinatal-parent-support/], and queer and trans families [https://postpartum.net/get-help/queer-parents/]. * Learn about Fathers’ UpLift [https://www.fathersuplift.org/?_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_9I3XxkNY6Dq9SUbAW9gS-XpveJ_yQUQCZlYnLbPAGNle3sA9PtG32CCpBsNWNutd6smzEDwoAMIFNeVkwHl_N2HnEDg&_hsmi=424072768]. Disclaimer: This podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical care. The views, thoughts, and opinions shared today are the speakers’ own. **Trigger Warning** Depression, anxiety, trauma, stroke  Like What You Heard? * Subscribe so you never miss an episode * Leave us a review to share your feedback * Learn more at sogladyouasked.org [https://sogladyouasked.org/] * Sign up for our newsletter [http://eepurl.com/jjw8ts] and follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/sogladyouaskedpodcast/] for show updates and bonus clips So Glad You Asked with Dr. Ruta Nonacs is brought to you by the MGH Center for Women's Mental Health [https://womensmentalhealth.org/] and the J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation [https://www.jwasmarriottfoundation.org/].

What Should I Know About My Mental Health During Pregnancy?

Mental health during pregnancy plays a critical role in postpartum well-being, yet many people aren’t sure what’s safe or where to start. If you’ve ever wondered how to get help or how to support someone you love, you’re not alone. It’s important that pregnant people have access to safe, effective mental health care. That’s why reproductive psychiatrists and OB-GYNs often work together to provide the best support. In this episode, Dr. Ruta and Allie are joined by reproductive psychiatrist Dr. Marlene Freeman, MD, and OB-GYN Dr. Jessica Vernon, MD, PMH-C, to talk through what to look for, how to ask for help, and how to decide what treatment is right for you. Whether you’re planning for pregnancy, navigating new symptoms, supporting someone you love, caring for a patient, or looking for evidence-based guidance on medication safety, Drs. Nonacs, Freeman, and Vernon walk you through your next steps. Resources: * Learn about pregnancy and breastfeeding medication safety [https://mothertobaby.org/pregnancy-breastfeeding-exposures/] from MotherToBaby. Listen to their podcast  [https://mothertobaby.org/podcast/]to hear more about everything from sushi to the RSV vaccine. * Read more on psychiatric medications safety in pregnancy [https://womensmentalhealth.org/specialty-clinics/pregnancy-medications/] from the MGH Center for Women’s Mental Health. * For more information on research about psychiatric medication use during pregnancy visit the National Pregnancy Registry for Psychiatric Medications [https://womensmentalhealth.org/research/pregnancyregistry/] website. Disclaimer: This podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical care. The views, thoughts, and opinions shared today are the speakers’ own. **Trigger Warning** Depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation  Like What You Heard? * Subscribe so you never miss an episode * Leave us a review to share your feedback * Learn more at sogladyouasked.org [https://sogladyouasked.org/] * Sign up for our newsletter [http://eepurl.com/jjw8ts] and follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/sogladyouaskedpodcast/] for show updates and bonus clips So Glad You Asked with Dr. Ruta Nonacs is brought to you by the MGH Center for Women's Mental Health [https://womensmentalhealth.org/] and the J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation [https://www.jwasmarriottfoundation.org/].

Why Does Miscarriage Feel so Isolating?

Stigma is, unfortunately, a common thread across So Glad You Asked. In this episode, we explore the silence, stigma, and shame that can surround miscarriage. Even though 1 in 4 pregnancies ends in miscarriage, much of the grief and recovery still happens in private. Dr. Jessica Zucker, a Los Angeles–based psychologist specializing in reproductive health and author of the award-winning books NORMALIZE IT: Upending the Silence, Stigma, and Shame That Shape Women’s Lives and I HAD A MISCARRIAGE: A Memoir, a Movement, joins Dr. Ruta and Allie for a thoughtful and deeply important conversation about bringing miscarriage into the open. Dr. Zucker shares the story behind her viral #IHadaMiscarriage campaign, offers guidance on what to say—and what not to say—and discusses ways to cope with anxiety in future pregnancies. We hope this conversation helps break some of the silence and reminds you that you’re not alone. Resources: * NORMALIZE IT: Upending the Silence, Stigma, and Shame That Shape Women’s Lives [https://www.drjessicazucker.com/normalize-it] * I HAD A MISCARRIAGE: A Memoir, a Movement [https://www.drjessicazucker.com/i-had-a-miscarriage] * Saying it Loudly: I Had a Miscarriage - The New York Times [https://archive.nytimes.com/parenting.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/10/15/saying-it-loudly-i-had-a-miscarriage/]  * Loss and Grief in Pregnancy & Postpartum - Postpartum Support International [https://postpartum.net/get-help/loss-grief-in-pregnancy-postpartum/] * More from Dr. Ruta on womensmentalhealth.org [https://womensmentalhealth.org/posts/tag/miscarriage/] Disclaimer: This podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical care. The views, thoughts, and opinions shared today are the speakers’ own. **Trigger Warning** Miscarriage, depression, anxiety, trauma  Like What You Heard? * Subscribe so you never miss an episode * Leave us a review to share your feedback * Learn more at sogladyouasked.org [https://sogladyouasked.org/] * Sign up for our newsletter [http://eepurl.com/jjw8ts] and follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/sogladyouaskedpodcast/] for show updates and bonus clips So Glad You Asked with Dr. Ruta Nonacs is brought to you by the MGH Center for Women's Mental Health [https://womensmentalhealth.org/] and the J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation [https://www.jwasmarriottfoundation.org/].