5 Ways to Cope with Emotional Distress After an Abortion
About half of all pregnancies in the U.S. are unplanned, and over 60% of these end in an abortion.
It’s common to view an abortion as simply a way out of a tough situation. But there’s a lot more to it. An abortion can take a significant toll on a woman’s physical and mental well-being.
Losing a child, regardless of the circumstances, is incredibly hard. This loss might manifest in different ways. Some may feel a constant sadness, while others experience intense bursts of grief. Every emotion is deeply personal. But no matter how this loss manifests, it’s important to understand that Post-Abortion Depression is something that is experienced by many women, and should not be dismissed.
Healing from an abortion isn’t just about moving past the loss; it’s about understanding and living with your emotions at your own pace. In this post, we’ll share five heartfelt ways to manage post-abortion depression.
Signs of Post-Abortion Depression
Before we begin, here are a few signs you may be dealing with depression after an abortion.
- Unexpected changes in your mood that go from calm to intense sadness
- Feeling detached from people or situations
- Irritability and occasional bouts of anger
- Preoccupation with the events and decisions that led up to the abortion
- A continuous low mood or sadness
- Thoughts of what life might have been like if you’d made a different decision
Everyone processes these feelings differently, but one thing is clear—what you’re feeling is completely valid. There’s no right way to grieve, and it’s possible to heal from this pain.
How to Cope with Depression After Abortion
The emotional aftermath of an abortion can be challenging. Studies show that women who abort their first pregnancy are 3.4 times more likely to seek outpatient mental health care.
Fortunately, there are several ways to deal with abortion grief. Let’s explore a few:
1. Allow Yourself to Grieve
Many women feel they aren’t allowed to grieve after an abortion, especially with all the controversy surrounding it. You might think you shouldn’t express sadness about your experience.
Or maybe your abortion was years ago, and it seems too late to start grieving now. But remember, your feelings are real. Allowing yourself to grieve is a key part of being able to begin moving forward.
Keeping a private journal or diary can be a helpful way to work through your emotions, especially if you’re wrestling with abortion regret. It gives you a safe space to sort through your feelings effectively.
2. Consider Professional Help
Post-abortion depression is a serious mental health concern. Research indicates that 65% of women reported feeling multiple symptoms of PTSD following an abortion.
If you’re struggling with your mental health after an abortion, do not hesitate to consult a therapist or counselor. They’re trained to help you work through negative emotions in a judgment-free space.
Counselors can offer specific therapies, like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), to help you develop healthier thinking patterns. They’ll also provide practical tools to manage feelings of abortion regret.
According to studies, 75% of people who undergo psychotherapy see benefits. Therapy can decrease symptoms of depression and anxiety, improve personal relationships, and boost overall well-being. Remember, support is just a conversation away, so feel free to reach out.
3. Seek Support from Understanding Individuals or Groups
Postpartum after abortion can be an isolating experience. But remember, you’re not alone. Many have gone through this and understand what you’re dealing with.
It’s important to connect with friends or family who support and empathize with your decision. Just be sure to choose people who will listen and support you without judgment, as negative reactions can make things tougher.
If you don’t have supportive people close to you, or you prefer keeping things more private, consider joining a support group. Support groups offer a safe space to discuss your experiences with others in similar situations. They provide valuable insights and share coping strategies specific to post-abortion emotions.
4. Practice Self-Care
Any time you are facing an emotional trauma, self-care becomes essential as you seek to move beyond the pain and depression you are going through.
Light exercises like walking or yoga can be beneficial as you work through this. Physical activity releases endorphins, which can naturally lift your mood. Make sure to eat well, stay hydrated, and get plenty of sleep if you feel you are slipping into depression.
Also, finding activities such as reading, listening to music or spending time in nature can help calm you if you feel depression creeping in. Keep in touch with supportive friends and family. Having caring people around can make a big difference.
5. Educate Yourself and Set Realistic Expectations
Understanding that many women go through depression post-abortion can ease feelings of being alone. This is not a topic that is widely discussed, but you can read up on others’ experiences on this website. You might also talk to a healthcare provider about the challenges you are facing after your abortion.
You can also find plenty of useful information on websites and online forums where people share their post-abortion stories.
When you learn that you are not alone in facing depression and sadness after going through an abortion, it can take some of the pressure off of you. Many women have faced the same challenge of “getting over it” – and it may require additional, outside help for you to deal with post-abortion trauma.
Moving On
Everyone’s journey through post-abortion depression is unique. Some days will be better than others, and some will be worse. Most importantly, you should treat yourself with the same compassion, patience, and grace you would offer a friend.
At Hurt by Abortion, we encourage you to use your voice and share your story. As a community of women who have been hurt by abortion, we’re here to support you, no matter what.
Your stories are confidential with us. You decide who, if anyone, gets to hear about your experience. And if you’re not ready to share, feel free to read others’ stories to see that you’re not alone in this.
