Making a Difference: The RADfertility Patient Support Group

At RADfertility, we understand that infertility can be a very isolating disease to face. It is important to know you are not alone. The purpose of the Making a Difference series is to highlight the dedicated organizations and individuals in the community available to help you on your journey.

Our patient community is filled with extraordinary people doing extraordinary things. Lindsay Griffin, an experienced Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Delaware, recognized the lack of mental health resources in the area and decided to connect with RADfertility about hosting a patient support group to help women of all backgrounds on their journey through infertility. Her belief that women can find comfort in meeting others who experience similar feelings that fertility challenges can bring is the foundation of the support group. In addition to her clinical expertise, Lindsay also provides a patient perspective.

We had the opportunity to connect with Lindsay Griffin, the host of the RADfertility Patient Support Group to learn more about her mission, some details of the group, and how she plans on making a difference.

Can you tell us about your role with the RADfertility Patient Support Group and your background?

My role is the group leader and facilitator of the RADfertility Patient Support Group. I am a social work doctoral student at Bryn Mawr College and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (Delaware) with ten years of experience in the mental health field. Aside from my passion as a therapist, I am passionate about research and teaching, which has motivated me to pursue my Ph.D. I have a growing interest in reproductive health care, perinatal mental health, and concerns related to the disparity within these issues for marginalized populations. I am a current board member of the Delaware chapter of Postpartum Support International. I am interested in promoting access and quality mental health care services for women and their partners prior to conceiving, during pregnancy, and after birth. I wanted to start this support group to provide a space for women to know they are not alone in the emotional struggles of their fertility journey.

What inspired you to launch the RADfertility Patient Support Group?

Personally, I have come across my own challenges with infertility. I recognized from my own fertility journey the lack of resources available in the area. As a professional mental health therapist, I realized that I could help women by providing this type of service to those experiencing fertility challenges. Support groups are unique in bringing people from a variety of different backgrounds together that are having very similar and difficult life experiences. I believe this is very comforting to know that other women know what it is like and to address some of the feelings of isolation that fertility challenges bring. In this space, it is safe and encouraged to talk about all of the thoughts and feelings that are related to the challenges to working towards growing a family.

What are some topics of discussion that the group will address?

Since the support group began, we have held space and conversations on a variety of aspects of the fertility journey. We’ve talked about navigating disappointments, understanding the fertility journey as filled with losses (miscarriage, infant loss, and unsuccessful treatments), learning how to cope in the journey with mindfulness skills, and also had some groups that are tailored to couples. Other topics included discussing the importance of mental health in general and finding ways to engage in self care. In 2021, I also tried to align the topics of a given month with the awareness efforts of that month, such as March being Endometriosis Awareness Month, May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and September being PCOS Awareness Month. As much as possible, I try to be responsive to the differences and similarities that women have in the fertility community within the topics of the support group. My goal is to make sure every person feels that their experiences are welcomed and that they are not alone in their journey.

What advice do you have for women facing infertility challenges?

Remember to take care of yourself! It is easy and understandable when experiencing fertility challenges to be hard on yourself. Often times an infertility diagnosis can make a woman feel that she is the source of why she cannot have children. Our bodies are complex and we cannot ascribe self-blame to something we did not choose or intend for ourselves. The other piece is to remember you are not alone and you don’t have to do it alone! Get connected to supportive persons while you are on this journey in order to not walk it by yourself. If unable to come in person to a support group, consider seeking out a therapist or get connected to other support groups online.

How has the RADfertility Patient Support Group transitioned during the pandemic and do those changes still allow for a comfortable environment for people to meet?

I have been so happy to be able to work with RADfertility in transitioning the group to be offered via Zoom. I was so bummed we only had one opportunity to have the group in person, but I was thrilled that we could transition to an online format to continue to offer this much needed support to RADfertility’s patients.

What do you hope to accomplish with the support group?

I am really interested in providing a safe space for women to be able to openly talk to one another about the hard realities they are facing with trying to have children. I hope by giving women this space that it will help them feel more supported in their fertility journey. I also want to get their feedback on what else can be provided that would help them feel supported on their fertility journey.

Tell us something people might not know about Lindsay Griffin.

I love being creative. I have recently been doing a lot of painting as part of my own self care during this time. I would love to do this with the support group one day as well! I think art in itself is a great way for self-expression, but it is very relaxing as it gives you the opportunity to have something constructive with channeling your energy and emotions.

Is there anything we didn’t mention that you feel is important for others to know about the support group?

For women considering taking part in the group, I want them to know this is their safe space to talk about all of the raw emotions that they have been battling alone on their fertility journey. I bring my clinical knowledge and my own patient perspective, but this group is all about the women who participate each month in sharing and growing from each other’s fertility stories. I take to heart each woman’s story and their suggestions on topics that are impacting them. My goal is to create a safe space for each woman to share her story and fertility journey. You are not alone!

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For more information about the RADfertility Patient Support Group and upcoming meetings, visit: www.radfertility.com/rsvp-patient-support-group