The name captures the essential message around a new support group from the UAB Employee Assistance and Counseling Center for employees and their immediate families coping with infertility: You Are Not Alone.
The group will meet virtually at 5 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month, starting April 8, for confidential, member-led discussion with EACC Senior Counselor Hallie Keel. It is open to employees and members of their immediate household.
One in six people of reproductive age are impacted by infertility globally, according to the World Health Organization. “Unfortunately, our local data is consistent with these statistics,” said Jennifer Kelley, MSN, MSHA, senior administrator and vice chair in UAB’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. “No matter where you are in the process of building a family, it can impact every aspect of your life. Infertility can be an emotionally challenging situation, and it can help to have someone to talk through those feelings with.”
Kelley has always been impressed with the benefits offered to UAB employees through the UAB Employee Assistance Program, she says. She contacted EACC Director Tami Mayes Long, Ph.D., to inquire about a support group for those employees and their families dealing with the emotional and mental toll of infertility, pregnancy loss, and perinatal/postpartum depression.
“We are committed to addressing the needs of our population and staying attuned to global mental health trends,” Long said. “We also respond to requests from employees when possible.”
Long and Kelley collaborated to explore the idea; the EACC conducted an employee survey to gauge levels of interest in groups focused on infertility, pregnancy loss, or perinatal/postpartum depression. “The infertility support group was the most requested by employees in our survey,” Long said. “Fifty percent of respondents said they were experiencing infertility concerns.”
Safe and supportive group environments help foster connections among people facing similar challenges, Long notes. “Being able to share their experiences builds hope and resilience,” she said.
In addition to the new infertility support group, the EACC offers a monthly support group for employees and families experiencing chronic illness and an art therapy group.
The EACC offers free, confidential support services for UAB employees and members of their immediate household, with certified counselors and an extensive collection of services to help identify, understand and resolve work-related and personal issues. Learn more about the EACC’s core services and explore its full range of offerings at uab.edu/eacc.