219: Fertility and Perinatal Mental Health with Dr. Marissa Long, Psy.D, MAOB

Today’s show features a dear friend and colleague as we discuss the mental health impacts on fertility and perinatal mental health. The mental health side of these issues is often overlooked in the process of treatment, and many parents are suffering. Join us as we take a closer look! Dr. Marissa Long is a sought-after expert in the field of reproductive psychology. As the owner and clinical director of ARC Counseling & Wellness, a private practice in southern California, Texas, and Louisiana, Dr. Long is dedicated to helping individuals and couples who are going through fertility treatment. She also works with women with high risk pregnancies and pregnancy loss to relieve the emotional distress associated with these challenges. She recently launched PsychEd Book Club, an innovative book club facilitated by therapists to support mental health, self-help, and social connection through conversation and education. Dr. Long is a lifelong dancer who performed in the halftime show at Super Bowl XXXII and the Sydney Opera House a year later.  Show Highlights: An overview of Dr. Long’s work as a health psychologist who connects physical issues and mental health Common issues and challenges that Dr. Long sees with her patients An explanation of reproductive endocrinology and REI terminology and their common treatments Impacts of the fertility process on people’s expectations of how they “thought” conception and pregnancy would happen Changes to the sexual relationship when fertility treatments are needed to conceive How people deal with feelings of shame, guilt, and body betrayal over fertility problems Why mental health challenges don’t end when a successful pregnancy occurs Stressors for patients on the medical side of treatments concerning medications, appointments, etc.  How fertility treatment medications can impact a patient’s mental health and emotions Patient perspectives on what makes a good experience in fertility treatment The problem with patients not being referred for mental health treatment soon enough The great need for reproductive psychologists to work in conjunction with fertility clinics What clients need to hold onto during fertility struggles The need for support and connection for fertility patients–and where to find it Resources: Connect with Dr. Long: ARC Counseling & Wellness  Instagram and Facebook For support during fertility issues: www.resolve.org and www.fertilityiq.com