Society tells us that men shouldn't share their feelings. That's what women do, men just need to get on with it. Over the next few weeks and through various blogs I want to challenge this belief. For those of you that have read my wife's blogs (see Genesis 18:10) about our journey through infertility you would know that she has bravely shared her story with hundreds of others. Meantime, I have sat alongside and played the supportive role. We have both been through an emotional rollercoaster together. My wife had been able to fund some comfort sharing these blogs, talking to friends who experienced similar problems, listening to podcasts and generally talking to others. For me it's been a very different experience. Rhod Gilbert has been doing some brilliant work highlighting male infertility and trying to get conversations started (see himfertility.com)
Did you know 50 percent of fertility issues are from the men's side! Rhod spent lockdown trying to get Men to share their stories and talk about their experiences, he reached out to thousands and only got a handful of responses. I am ashamed to say I was one of them that scrolled past and ignored it, conforming to societies expectations and just getting on with it. Outside of what Rhod is doing there is very little out there that offers support. Roughly 1 in 6 couples struggle with infertility. By not sharing I feel in a way that I am letting my wife down and leaving it all to her. Many people have asked me and my wife "How does he feel, is he ok?" I have decided now is the time to share my thoughts and feelings, not just to help me, but I hope and pray what I share over the coming weeks will help others and encourage more conversations to take place.
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