Latest news with #Therapies
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Where to get support if you're going through IVF as Atomic Kitten star reveals 'quite dark times'
For many undergoing in vitro fertilisation (IVF), the journey is emotionally draining, physically demanding and often difficult to discuss with those who haven't experienced it. This makes supportive communities vital for those navigating the process. Atomic Kitten star Liz McClarnon knows this all too well. After revealing she's expecting her first child following a "painful" IVF journey, she highlighted the importance of these networks in helping her through it. The 44-year-old singer shared her happy news on Instagram on Tuesday, revealing in a short video that she had been staying off of social media throughout her fertility journey as "sometimes it was hard to smile", before adding: "But after years of sometimes quite painful IVF and quite dark times, I'm pregnant." McClarnon wrote in the caption: "I started to record a video of me just telling you, but I got too emotional, so I thought I'd just hide behind this little announcement instead. "I just can't believe we're here. So many have been through exactly what I went through and worse. I want to share what I can and add my voice and ears to those who already help others understand or deal with all that comes with IVF and loss after so much hope." The singer acknowledged the importance of the support groups that helped her cope, adding: "I've been a part of some beautifully supportive communities. I'm so grateful. I am so grateful!" View this post on Instagram A post shared by Liz McClarnon-Cho 💛 (@lizmcclarnon) According to the latest data from the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority, a total of 59,910 patients received IVF in 2022. While IVF success rates in the UK have seen modest improvements, the process remains incredibly challenging for many. According to a study published in The Lancet in July 2024, the live birth rate per embryo transfer for women around the age of 35 is approximately 30%. While this is a significant increase from the 6% success rate in patients aged 35-37 reported in 1991, many people still face significant obstacles, including financial strain, emotional distress and the uncertainty of repeated treatments that may not result in pregnancy. Thankfully, there are places where those going through IVF can receive support. Fertility struggles can take a significant toll on your mental health. The emotional ups and downs – whether it's dealing with uncertainty, grief after loss or stress from repeated cycles – can be overwhelming. The NHS recommends that anyone undergoing fertility treatment considers talk therapy, which offers a safe and confidential space to explore thoughts and feelings. Most fertility clinics provide counselling as part of your treatment plan, so ask what's available or find your local NHS Talking Therapies service online. If you would like to speak to the NHS Mental Health Triage Service, you can dial 111 on your phone. It is free and open 24/7. You can also find qualified therapists through professional directories: British Infertility Counselling Association (BICA) – search for specialists in fertility counselling UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) – directory includes therapists with expertise in reproductive health British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) – searchable by specialty and location These resources can help you find licensed professionals experienced in reproductive or grief counselling. Joining an online forum can provide a safe space to share experiences, ask questions and find emotional support. Fertility Network UK, which states that "over 3.5 million people in the UK go through some kind of fertility challenge", is one of the leading national charities offering emotional and practical support for anyone facing fertility issues. Services include: Free helpline and email support Online and local support groups Webinars and fertility awareness events For online connection and 24/7 community support, the Fertility Friends Forum is a dedicated space for people dealing with fertility issues, from IVF to donor conception and surrogacy. Speaking anonymously to Yahoo UK, one woman explains how she and her partner leaned on Fertility Network UK during their IVF journey, saying it helped them "feel less alone". She also encourages male partners to get involved and show up emotionally. "During our IVF treatment, we found it valuable to speak with others also going through similar experiences. Online group peer support organised by Fertility Network UK helped us feel less alone and provided an opportunity to ask questions and share our worries. This helped normalise our feelings and created a sense of community through shared experiences," she shares. "One observation of the sessions we attended was the notable absence of male partners from heterosexual couples. I'd like to appeal to the men in partnerships going through infertility to support your partner in every way you can. She is going through a barrage of physical and emotional challenges, heightened by a flooding of hormones that can make it feel all the more challenging." She explains that infertility often affects both partners, not just the person undergoing treatment, and says joining a peer support group was just as valuable for her husband as it was for her. She adds: "It helped him learn that we weren't alone in what we were thinking and that just because we didn't know anyone else personally who had, or was currently, going through IVF it didn't mean that we were totally alone in our experience. "It shocked me to find that support for infertility in the UK is so limited. The Women's Health Strategy is a great step forward in recognising the specific health needs of women but support for those experiencing the challenges of fertility treatment is not prioritised enough." Another woman told Yahoo UK how vital an online support group became when she was going through IVF. "Joining an online community where women shared their experiences with assisted conception and the many issues they went through (and tips!) was a literal life saver. I spent a lot of time in my own head, overthinking my behaviour, what more I could do or how a doctors' dismissiveness sometimes didn't make sense to me," she says. "Their words and experiences made me feel less alone in crucial moments. And they also made me feel like I wasn't alone or a failure, because the fact that there were dozens of other people telling me they were struggling through the same process made me feel supported and not invisible. These women were strangers online but really felt like a life line for many months and evenings." IVF can be expensive, especially for those who don't qualify for NHS-funded treatment or opt to go privately. If you're ineligible for NHS support, you can still access care through one of the many licensed private fertility clinics across the UK. However, costs and eligibility criteria can vary significantly from clinic to clinic. To help navigate the financial side of fertility treatment, the Citizens Advice Bureau offers practical guidance. Meanwhile, the Human Fertilisation & Embryology Authority (HFEA) – the UK's independent regulator of fertility clinics – provides evidence-based fertility information, cost information and legal guidance on treatment options. Exploring these resources can help you make informed decisions and feel more in control of both the financial and legal aspects of your fertility journey. For many, the end of fertility treatment doesn't lead to parenthood – and navigating life without children, especially when it wasn't your choice, can feel incredibly isolating. Fortunately, a growing number of communities and resources offer emotional support, connection and practical tools for processing grief and building a fulfilling life without children. Founded by Jody Day, Gateway Women is one of the most established global support networks for women who are childless not by choice. It offers online courses and workshops, and a community forum. See the blog post by a member about childlessness in the workplace The Childless Collective community is a membership-based community that offers support for people who are involuntarily childless for £20 a month At Life Without Children | Fertility Network, you can watch webinars, join an online community and participate in MyJourney Contextual Cognitive Behavioural Therapy self-help online programme The Full Stop is a podcast and community space for people who are childless not by choice. It's run by hosts who have walked the same path World Childless Week has links to lots of other resources and support Dr Robin Hadley is the UK's leading academic in the area of male involuntary childlessness The Childless Men's Community is a closed Facebook group created and moderated by Michael Hughes and Andy Harrod Read more about IVF: Consider freezing your eggs if you're in your 20s - it's less expensive than you think (Yahoo Life UK, 5-min read) I went through 29 rounds of IVF to get the family I wanted (Yahoo Life UK, 4-min read) More than one in 20 IVF treatments for single women (PA Media, 4-min read)
Associated Press
14-02-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
Northeast Florida Equestrian Society Joins NVBDC MVO Task Force to Expand Equine-Assisted Services for Veterans
Northeast Florida Equestrian Society/H.O.R.S.E. Therapies Joins NVBDC MVO Task Force to Expand Equine-Assisted Services for Veterans DETROIT, MI, UNITED STATES, February 14, 2025 / / -- The National Veteran Business Development Council (NVBDC) proudly welcomes Northeast Florida Equestrian Society (NFES) and its H.O.R.S.E. Therapies program as the newest member of its Military and Veteran Organization (MVO) Task Force. Dedicated to harnessing the healing power of horses, NFES provides equine-assisted services to veterans, active-duty service members, and individuals with physical and emotional challenges, fostering rehabilitation, resilience, and community connection. 'As someone who has personally experienced the transformative power of horses, I am honored to be part of an organization that brings this healing to others—especially our nation's veterans,' said Ashton Kroner, Director of Development & Strategic Partnerships at NFES. 'Joining the NVBDC MVO Task Force allows us to expand our reach, collaborate with veteran-owned businesses, and strengthen our commitment to those who have served.' NFES manages the Jacksonville Equestrian Center through a contract with the City of Jacksonville, Florida, hosting more than 45 events annually to support its H.O.R.S.E. Therapies program. With a focus on inclusivity and healing, NFES offers adaptive equine-assisted services tailored to veterans coping with physical injuries, PTSD, and other service-related challenges. Through its flagship Veterans Equine Camp, NFES provides military veterans with immersive therapeutic experiences designed to promote well-being and personal growth. Additionally, the organization prioritizes veteran employment, creating opportunities for former service members to transition into meaningful civilian careers within the equestrian community. A Legacy of Impact and Community Support NFES has a longstanding history of serving the community, including offering emergency shelter to over 600 horses during Florida's recent hurricanes. The organization's ability to provide vital support in times of crisis further cements its role as a trusted resource for both veterans and the equestrian community. Horses and Heroes Rodeo: A Commitment to Giving Back One of NFES's most significant annual events, the Horses and Heroes Rodeo, will take place on October 24-25, 2025. Now in its third year, the rodeo directly benefits veterans and first responders, with proceeds supporting the UF Health Haley Brain Wellness Program for traumatic brain injury (TBI) treatment and funding for the H.O.R.S.E. Therapies program. 'We believe that healing takes many forms, and through this event, we not only raise critical funds but also foster a deeper sense of connection between veterans, first responders, and the broader community,' Kroner added. How to Support NFES and H.O.R.S.E. Therapies NFES welcomes corporate partnerships, sponsorships, and volunteers to help further its mission. With over 90,000 visitors annually at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center, the organization provides a unique platform for veteran-owned businesses to showcase their services while making a lasting impact. To learn more about how to get involved, visit or contact Ashton Kroner at [email protected]. About the National Veteran Business Development Council (NVBDC) The National Veteran Business Development Council (NVBDC) is the leading third-party certification organization for veteran-owned businesses of all sizes. NVBDC connects certified veteran-owned businesses with supplier diversity programs in major corporations, fostering growth and success for veteran entrepreneurs. Additional information can be found at About the NVBDC's Military & Veteran Organization (MVO) Task Force NVBDC's MVO Task Force enables NVBDC to collaborate resources with task force partners to increase awareness and establish a respected position in the industry supporting veteran business success. Additional information can be found at (586) 665-9020 [email protected] MVO Task Force Contact: Kathy Poynton (703) 282-6862 [email protected] Keith King, Founder & CEO National Veteran Business Development Council +1 313-446-6885 email us here Visit us on social media: X LinkedIn Legal Disclaimer:
