A Self Assessment Fertility Stress Test
Stress has become all too familiar in our modern society. While stress is necessary and considered normal in response to challenges or threats, excessive stress can lead to a serious compromise in physical and mental well being.
What follows is a series of questions that attempts to get an overall picture of the level of stress you are currently experiencing. This questionnaire consists of 15 questions. Please read each carefully, and decide on the degree of change you have felt over the past year. Assign a numerical value (1- 5) accordingly.
Once you’ve completed, total your scores and read about possible stress indicators. You may prefer to print these pages for your convenience. Print Version (PDF)
1 = No change
2 = Little change
3 = Fair change
4 = Significant change
5 = Great deal of change
If your score is between:
15- 25 YOU'RE DOING FINE
26-35 THERE ARE THINGS YOU SHOULD BE WATCHING
Prevention is smart tactic regarding your health. Re examine those
questions you rated highest (4 & 5 ratings) and try to take
small steps towards some problem solving strategies.
36-50 YOU ARE A STRONG CANDIDATE FOR BURNOUT
You might consider speaking to a professional regarding how best
to manage and reduce your current life stressors. The Mind Body Behavioural Medicine Fertility Program is highly recommended.
51-54 YOU ARE BURNING OUT
You are experiencing a significant level of stress. If you feel
that you are coping well in spite of the test results, you might
want to check with someone who knows you well (such as your spouse)
to get a second opinion. If you agree with the test results it
is highly recommended that you speak with a professional such
as your doctor or other health care professional who sepecializes
in stress management. You might have become more stressed out
while reading the questionnaire above. That’s very normal.
You are stressed because you can’t conceive, which makes
you more stressed. And ironically, stress can make you even less
likely to conceive. And that of course stresses you out more.
This process can spiral on endlessly, unless you learn to break
the cycle of stress. The Mind/Body Fertility program teaches you
how to break the cycle.
Periodic Self Assessment
Fertility treatment can be a seductive roller coaster and knowing when to stop or simply take a break for a month or two is important. You might consider doing this assessment three times a year to check in with yourself periodically to make sure you are still feeling committed to continue the fertility journey and treatments! Keep your previous scores recorded on the paper and date, so you can do some accurate comparisons. Please remember nothing is more important than your mental health. Having a child is a worth while goal but it should not be at any price, emotionally, physically or spiritually.
Peace
It doesn`t mean to be
in a place where there
is no noise, trouble or
hardwork, it does mean
to be in the midst of
those things and still
be calm in your heart.