What do you do when the world feels like it’s falling apart—and you’re trying to build a new life of your own?

If you’ve glanced at the news lately, your heart may have dropped. The recent UN report documenting the destruction of schools and mosques in Gaza is more than a political headline. For many, it’s personal: a painful reminder of how fragile life—and hope—can be.

But what does a humanitarian tragedy thousands of miles away have to do with your journey to become a parent? More than you might think. In 2025, where every scroll is a barrage of bad news, the emotional climate around us deeply influences our wellness, our relationships, and yes—even fertility.

Let’s break down the data, unpack the science, and get real about how we protect our mental health—and our dreams of parenthood—even during troubled times.

Why World Events Hit Closer to Home Than We Realize

Recent studies suggest that global crises—from war to natural disasters—don’t just fill our feeds; they seep into our daily stress, disrupt sleep, and can even affect our physical health. A 2024 survey by the American Psychological Association found that 69% of respondents felt "significant stress" from news about international conflict and humanitarian disasters.

This stress isn’t hypothetical. It can: - Disrupt your hormone balance (think: elevated cortisol) - Impact relationship dynamics, sparking more arguments and less intimacy - Upend your sense of safety and control

For anyone on a fertility journey, these aren’t small issues. Stress is a well-known antagonist to conception, affecting everything from ovulation to sperm quality. So if you’re feeling extra anxious lately, you’re not imagining things—this is backed by cold, hard data.

The Paradox of Hope: Why Trying to Conceive in Troubling Times Still Matters

You might be asking: "With everything happening in the world, is it selfish—or even possible—to focus on creating new life right now?"

Here’s the paradox: hope isn’t naïve. It’s radical. Studies of communities in conflict and post-disaster zones show that the drive to build families often increases during hardship. Psychologists theorize this isn’t denial—it’s resilience. The very act of nurturing life in the face of destruction is, for many, an act of defiance and healing.

So if you’re moving forward with your conception plans right now, you’re not running from the world’s problems. You’re contributing to hope—one that’s deeply, even biologically, human.

Mental Health Is Fertility Health

This year, the zeitgeist is clear: self-care isn’t a luxury, it’s survival. For those trying to conceive, protecting your mental health is mission-critical. Here’s how the data stacks up:

• Emotional distress has been linked to lower success rates in conception, with some studies showing up to a 30% reduction in fertility for those with untreated anxiety and depression.
• Conversely, support networks, positive self-talk, and mindful routines are associated with higher reported rates of successful conception.

Tangible steps to protect your mental and fertility health right now:

• Set boundaries with news consumption. Schedule "news-free" hours or days each week.
• Prioritize connection. Whether it’s through support forums, family, or video calls, human connection is a buffer against despair.
• Nurture your purpose. Journaling, therapy, or simply discussing your “why” with a partner can fortify you against global uncertainty.
• Consider accessible, empowering paths to parenthood. At-home conception tools, like those designed by MakeAMom’s inclusive fertility kits, have seen increased demand lately. Not only do these offer privacy and autonomy, but their reusable, cost-effective designs can empower would-be parents during times when traditional routes feel out of reach.

What’s the Takeaway? Reclaiming Agency in Uncertain Times

In moments when headlines overwhelm us—when, as the UN reports, entire communities are shattered—the urge to build, nurture, and hope is more important than ever. It’s not just a coping strategy; it’s a testament to human resilience.

Your fertility journey is part of a bigger story. One where, despite global turmoil, everyday people still choose to create, to nurture, and to hope.

The world might feel out of control. But your next step—whether it’s a mindful break, a conversation, or exploring new conception options—is still yours to claim.

How are you protecting your hope these days? What’s one small routine that helps you reclaim resilience amid the noise? Share your thoughts below—your story may be exactly what someone else needs to keep going.