Hello, welcome back to Radio Headspace.
It's Eve here and it's Thursday.
Thank you for being here.
So recently we launched a new collection in the Headspace app that is focused on support for your fertility journey.
This is a very personal one for me because I, too, am on a fertility journey.
And I'm not going to lie, it's been really, really hard.
I know this topic might not be relevant to everyone.
But in looking back on my journey to date and in speaking with friends who've also struggled,
a lot more people than you think experience challenges on the road to having a family.
The problem is...
It's not talked about.
It's not acknowledged.
And that can leave those of us going through it feeling deeply isolated and alone.
I recently read that the National Institute of Health found that 25 to 60% of people experiencing fertility challenges report that their levels of anxiety and depression are significantly higher than those who've not had any challenges.
I can well believe it.
If that isn't enough already,
there is a heap of social stigma and shame and guilt associated with fertility challenges,
especially for women.
And this can really take a toll on your mental health and well-being.
It can also be an outrageously expensive process.