When we talk about hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), the focus is often on the physical battle: nausea, vomiting, dehydration, malnourishment, and more. It’s not surprising—these are the most visible parts of our fight with HG.

But those of us who’ve been in the trenches with this condition know it goes much deeper than that. Yes, the physical impacts are brutal. But the mental and emotional challenges can be even more intense, often lingering long after the physical symptoms subside.

During my first pregnancy, the mental and emotional battle was the one I almost lost, and it took me the longest to recover from. I know I’m not alone in this experience, which is why it’s so important to talk about it and help others understand how to best support us. 

How HG Affected My Mental and Emotional Health and Well-being 

My first pregnancy with HG was one of the most traumatic experiences of my life. My second pregnancy with HG, while still incredibly challenging, was a much better experience overall. 

The most striking difference between my two pregnancies was my mental and emotional health.

During my first pregnancy, I became severely anxious and depressed. The relentless physical symptoms, lack of understanding, and medication side effects created a perfect storm that sent my mental health into a downward spiral. I couldn’t concentrate, couldn’t sleep, was having panic attacks, and was completely disconnected from myself, my loved ones, and my baby. I couldn’t work, take care of myself, hold a conversation, or even recognize the person staring back at me in the mirror. 

Every day felt like endless torture, and it seemed like no one really understood what I was going through. At my lowest, I felt like I was losing my mind, and was looking for a way out. 

The mental and emotional fallout rippled through my loved ones, straining our relationships and impacting their health and well-being. It tested not only my limits, but also those of my marriage and family members, leaving scars that required time and effort to heal.

My second pregnancy with HG was different. Although still physically challenging, I maintained and nurtured my mental and emotional health, kept up with my part-time job, and was able to spend quality time with my family. 

Supporting the HG Warrior in Your Life

If you asked me what made the biggest difference in my second HG experience, beyond educating and empowering myself, it was the strong, knowledgeable support system I had by my side.

During my first pregnancy, my loved ones did their best to support me, but they were just as lost as I was. Together, we made mistakes and learned valuable lessons. These lessons not only improved my mental and emotional well-being but also made the physical experience of HG more manageable the second time around.

By sharing what we learned, I hope to help you, and your family, navigate your journey with HG.

5 Important Lessons for Supporting Someone with Hyperemesis Gravidarum

• The Mental and Emotional Impacts of HG Are Real and Serious
  Many of us experience depression, anxiety, PTSD, and suicidal thoughts. If your loved one is struggling, offer compassion and support in helping them access the care they need.

• Educate Yourself and Advocate for Us
  Learning about HG symptoms, treatments, and advocacy helps ease our burden and ensures we receive the care we need.

• Don’t Wait for Us to Ask for Help
  HG can leave us too drained to ask for help, and we often feel guilty or like a burden. Taking initiative, whether it’s with meals, cleaning, or simply listening, can make a big difference.

• Listen with Empathy and Show Patience and Kindness
  Compassion, flexibility, and respect for our boundaries help us feel supported and less isolated. Listening with empathy means offering validation, we don’t always need solutions, just a safe space to express our feelings without judgment.

• Take Care of Yourself, Too
  HG is exhausting for everyone involved. Prioritizing your own health and well-being helps you stay strong and better support ours.

Conclusion
Hyperemesis gravidarum is incredibly challenging, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well. My first pregnancy took me to the depths of despair and serves as an example of the importance of HG-informed support, understanding, and care.

If you’re supporting someone with HG, know how vital your role is to their health and well-being. Take the time to learn, be patient, and offer understanding. 

You are key to helping them, and your family, endure and recover from HG.

Kathryn is a mentor and advocate dedicated to raising awareness and supporting those impacted by hyperemesis gravidarum (HG). A two-time HG survivor with a PhD in Psychological & Brain Sciences, she combines science-based expertise with the compassionate understanding gained from her own experience. After transforming her own traumatic journey with HG, Kathryn identified significant gaps in knowledge and support, leading her to transition from her academic research career to helping women and their families navigate this challenging condition. Learn more about her story and the resources she offers on Instagram @HGMentor, or reach out to her at kathryn@hgmentor.com