(image: Victoria Volkova Unsplash)
For many people, Christmas time/festive season is a time for happiness, family and bringing people together; however, one in seven UK couples face a hidden grief : infertility..
Research reveals that nearly three in four people battling infertility are burdened with feelings of failure, adding to the hidden grief many already feel during the holidays. In response, mental health platform JAAQ wants to spread awareness around why infertility can be harder during the holidays and what we can do to approach the topic sensitively.
Male fertility coach explains why infertility feels heavier during the festive season
Male fertility coach, Shaun Greenway, who was diagnosed with azoospermia, explains on JAAQ why the holiday season is so difficult: “We got a pregnancy announcement at Christmas, and it took me right back to that place. That hurt. That weird feeling of happiness mixed in with jealousy and anger and pain.” Even after he had twins via donor sperm, the emotions didn’t disappear “It will always be part of me. It’s always there.”
Shaun’s experience highlights a truth many people face – that infertility doesn’t end with treatment or conception; it changes shape, often resurfacing during emotionally charged times like Christmas, a time filled with pregnancy announcements and marketing imagery filled with children and togetherness.
Founder and CEO of Fertility Help Hub, Eloise Edington, knows that pain well. Supporting her devastated husband while navigating her own grief, she recalls when speaking on JAAQ: “Supporting my devastated husband while also equally grieving myself and knowing that we would never have a biological child together meant we were both drowning in separate pain.”
She’s open about the reality of those moments: “Lots of crying, lots of eating chocolate, wine, being together. Not pretty. Not Pinterest-worthy. Just real.” For many couples facing infertility, this is the reality of Christmas – raw, difficult and far from the idealised celebrations we often imagine.
(image: Priscilla Prisceez, Unsplash)
4 dos and don’ts for talking about infertility this holiday season
To make the festive season a little easier, mental health platform JAAQ has revealed four essential dos and don’ts for talking about infertility this Christmas – whether you’re facing it yourself, or want to approach the topic sensitively with others.
Dos:
- 1. Think before you ask sensitive questions about pregnancy or starting a family and wait for them to bring it up themselves naturally in conversation.
- 2. Share with someone you trust – If you are struggling, consider speaking openly with someone, whether in person or by message, which can help you to process your emotions. For Shaun, he shared: “Once I did start opening up, that’s when everything got a bit lighter.” Elouise suggests, “Find community, find support, speak to other people who are going through similar struggles. How are they dealing with it? What are they doing to keep the romance alive or to get through this tricky time and enjoy life?”
- 3. Encourage without imposing your opinion. If someone shares something personal, listen fully before responding. Let them know you are there for them and ask how you can support them, rather than assuming what they need.
- 4. Create a Christmas/ festive routine that works for you. If traditional celebrations feel overwhelming, permit yourself to do things differently. You might skip the big dinner, start a new ritual like a quiet morning walk with coffee, or find other ways to mark the day that feel manageable.
Dont’s:
- Don’t ask personal questions about pregnancy or family plans, especially in social settings
- Don’t offer unsolicited advice like ‘just relax’ or ‘it’ll happen when it’s meant to’
- Don’t probe with follow-up questions if someone opens up; listen supportively rather than asking questions that might cause unintentional distress
- Don’t pressure someone to participate in every activity or ‘get into the spirit.’ Sometimes the kindest thing is simply allowing them to step away
JAAQ’s spokesperson, Dr Nina Wylonis, shares how we can support others facing these challenges during the festive period:
“Small acts of kindness during the festive season can really matter to those dealing with infertility. You never know what someone is quietly carrying, so a little compassion goes a long way. If you are struggling with infertility yourself, please know that what you are going through is incredibly difficult. You are living with uncertainty and no clear answers, and getting through each day takes real strength. You are not alone in this, and reaching our for support can make a real difference.”
(image: Pereanu Sebastian: Unsplash)
About Nina T. Wylonis MD – Clinical Strategy and Compliance Lead at JAAQ
Dr Nina T. Wylonis MD drives clinical strategy, compliance, and governance at JAAQ, helping AI-powered healthcare solutions meet the highest standards of safety and effectiveness. Board-certified in Child & Adolescent and Adult Psychiatry, she brings extensive clinical expertise from prestigious institutions including NYU Langone Hospital and the University of Pennsylvania Health System. With deep experience across both US and UK healthcare landscapes, Dr. Wylonis bridges the critical gap between cutting-edge AI technology and real-world clinical practice, helping JAAQ deliver trusted solutions that can truly transform mental health and wellness at scale.
About JAAQ
JAAQ – which stands for Just Ask A Question is a pioneering mental health platform designed to make credible, compassionate support accessible to everyone – especially in the workplace. The platform provides engaging, clinically backed content by connecting users with experts and individuals with lived experience, who answer mental health questions anonymously. This unique, interactive approach empowers people to explore their mental wellbeing in a safe, stigma-free environment.