31 Aug How to Recover Emotionally After An Abortion
If you’ve had an abortion, whether recently or in the past, you are likely to struggle with your emotions and feel overwhelmed. There are well-known complications and side effects that can occur after an abortion, including emotional and mental side effects.
In fact, a study of over 800,000 women found that post-abortive women are more likely to be at risk for mental health problems including substance abuse, anxiety, and depression.
If you feel isolated and emotionally stuck after your abortion, know that you are not alone. Many women experience the same emotional struggles after an abortion, but they are able to start on the road to healthy mental recovery using a couple of important steps.
Acknowledge Your Emotions
An abortion can be a traumatic procedure, and the emotions you feel regarding your abortion are real and normal. That’s why it’s important to acknowledge what you are feeling and not try to suppress what you are feeling.
These feelings can come and go like waves, so give yourself the freedom and space to deal with the emotions as they come. Some of the common emotions you may experience include:
- Sadness or Sorrow
- Feeling of Loss
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Isolation
- Regret or Guilt
- Emotional Pain
- Nightmares
- Anger or Rage
- Suicidal Impulses
- Self-destructive Behavior
Finding the Support You Need
An abortion can give you temporary relief immediately following the procedure, but this may soon be replaced by sadness, grief, and anxiety as you wrestle with the trauma and remorse.
These feelings may come and go at unexpected moments in your daily life.
You are not alone in your experience, many women have struggled emotionally after their abortion but have found relief and hope.
Finding Healing After an Abortion
You can find emotion and mental healing after an abortion. At Lighthouse PRC you can find the space and safety to talk through your feelings in a confidential setting. Whether you are struggling with a recent abortion or are still wrestling with your emotions years after an abortion Lighthouse PRC can help you start your journey to healing and emotional health.
Our post-abortion program is available in an individual setting or with a group of others who are seeking relief and hope after their abortion.
Contact us today to schedule a free and confidential appointment and start finding the hope and healing you are longing for.