Are you feeling regret, shame, loneliness or even relief after having an abortion? Emotional side effects are not uncommon for women who have chosen abortion. A recent study revealed that women who have had an abortion are 81 percent more likely to experience mental health struggles. You are not alone.
Coping after abortion is difficult and takes time, but healing is possible. We want to help and share three tips to help cope after abortion.
1. Time With Friends & Family
Almost a full 50% of grieving individuals say spending more time with friends and family is extremely helpful. Whether it’s a family member or friend, receiving support in any way is a brave step in your healing journey.
Though you may not know how to deal with your emotions, processing them with someone you trust brings direction along the way. After an abortion, you could feel isolated or lonely, but you don’t have to stay there. Open up as best as you can about how you’re doing. Discovering who your support group is during this vulnerable time can bring you closer and make you feel connected.
2. Let Yourself Grieve
Everyone deals with grief a little differently, and that’s ok. Emotions can become even stronger when ignored. Women often feel they don’t have the right to grieve because abortion, in most cases, was their choice. Even though it was a choice, it’s still a valid and real loss.
Know that you have the right to grieve this loss and give yourself permission to feel and process. Though it’s not an easy journey, there is light at the end of the tunnel.
3. Seek Professional Help
Maybe you don’t know where to begin, or reaching out to someone seems scary. Many other women have walked this same road. There are people who want to help and lead you to recovery. If you want to cope and heal from your abortion, know that it’s possible. Many women have done just this.
Reach out to us today at Alabama Pregnancy Test Center to learn where to begin. We would love to help.