I've Had an Abortion
Your personal choice of abortion may have affected you in ways you had not anticipated.
Some women feel relief after an abortion, while others experience negative thoughts and emotions. Some of these reactions may be immediate. Some occur many years after the abortion.
One aspect of the distress you may be experiencing is grief. Post abortion grief impacts your ability to heal and relieve after abortion.
Symptoms of Post Abortion Grief
Symptoms of post abortion grief may include:
- Sadness
- Guilt or shame
- Emotional numbing
- Depression
- Nightmares or flashbacks of the abortion
- Alcohol and drug abuse
- Thoughts of self-harm
Grief after an abortion can be related to a woman's age, stage of pregnancy, religious or cultural beliefs, previous mental health, or whether she was pressured into an abortion.
Such grief can be a barrier in coming to peace with self and others. It can complicate the healing process and impact after abortion distress.
If you're experiencing one or more of these thoughts and emotions, let's begin by assuring you that you are not alone in what you are feeling. Healing is possible.
It's normal to experience sadness or regret or conflicting emotions after a pregnancy loss. Abortion is a pregnancy loss.
If you think you identify with any of the above symptoms, you may want to read on:
We invite you to connect with an online peer counsellor or check out a pregnancy centre near you for compassionate and non-judgmental care.
Read on: