April 27, 2023 is International Donor Conception Awareness Day. Link to IDCAD2023: https://donorconceptionawarenessday.com/ Link to educational courses for parents and CEUs for professionals CEUS: https://three-makes-baby-preparation-and-parenting.teachable.com/p/home Fertility challenges can cause intense feelings that make you want to withdraw and hide. It’s important to understand the difference between secrecy and privacy and how the shame of infertility may live on. Secrecy is when you actively withhold information from others, often out of fear or shame. This can be detrimental to your mental health and relationships as it creates a sense of isolation and can lead to feelings of guilt and shame. It takes a lot of effort and energy to maintain a secret, and the longer you keep it, the more it can weigh you down. On the other hand, privacy is when you choose to keep certain information to yourself or within a trusted circle. This can be a healthy way to protect your personal boundaries and maintain control over your own life. It’s important to remember that you have the right to privacy, and it’s okay to set boundaries around what you share with others. If you’re struggling with fertility challenges, it’s important to find a support system that you trust and feel comfortable opening up to. This could be a therapist, support group, or trusted friends and family members. By sharing your experiences and feelings with others, you can find a sense of community and support that can help you navigate this difficult time. While it’s important to protect your privacy, it’s also important to recognize when secrecy is doing more harm than good. By opening up and sharing your struggles with others, you can find the support and understanding you need to overcome fertility challenges and move forward with your life. #IDCAD2020 #movingtips secrecy #privacy #fertilitychallenges #mentalhealth #relationships #isolation #guilt #shame #personalboundaries #supportsystem #therapist