5 Steps to Seeking Support After an Abortion
Recent years have shown the value of mental health resources. In 2022 alone, about 55.8 million adults in the U.S. sought treatment or counseling.
Quality mental healthcare can be a gateway to healing, especially after life-changing events like an abortion. Since abortion is a deeply personal and often intense experience that quite often leads to feelings of traumatic stress, it’s vital to find the right kind of support to help you recover.
Research shows that many women who have negative experiences after an abortion also suffer from a lack of emotional support in their lives. Here are five steps to help guide you through this tough time and find the post-abortion support you need.
Step 1: Acknowledge Your Feelings
Before you start seeking abortion support, it’s important to sit with your feelings. Take some time to reflect on what you’re experiencing, whether it’s sadness, grief, pain, or confusion, which are all commonly reported feelings post-abortion.
Understanding your emotions is key to figuring out what kind of support will be the most helpful. And remember, every single emotion is valid, no matter what anyone else says.
Step 2: Research Your Options
When you’re ready to find support after abortion, you have several paths to consider.
Professional Counseling
Sometimes, discussing things with a professional can help you find closure. Counselors who specialize in post-abortion support are trained to help you process your feelings in a safe and private space.
Support Groups
Abortion can be incredibly isolating, but you’re not alone with what you are feeling and experiencing. Abortion support groups bring together people who understand exactly what you’re going through. They can offer empathy, advice, and ways to begin dealing correctly with the trauma that you are experiencing.
Online Resources
For those who are not yet ready to meet face-to-face, the internet is full of resources. Online spaces like Hurt by Abortion allow you to connect with others, share your experiences, and find strength, all while maintaining your anonymity.
Step 3: Make Contact
Once you’ve identified potential sources of support, the next step is to reach out. Here’s how to approach this thoughtfully.
Visit Local Clinics and Hospitals
A simple call or visit to a local hospital/clinic can start your journey. Keep a list of questions handy about what kinds of post-abortion support they offer (if any), what the schedule looks like, and any costs involved. Asking for their community outreach or mental health services contact can also be helpful.
Look Up National and Local Mental Health Organizations
Visit therapist directories on mental health organization websites. Use filters to find specialists experienced in support after abortion. If you’re looking for more personalized assistance, don’t hesitate to send an email or make a phone call.
Reach out to Community Resources
If you are looking for an in-person, low or no-cost option in your own community, many local pregnancy centers offer After Abortion recovery services. It may come as a surprise, but these support services are usually provided judgement-free and can link you to other women who have gone through similar experiences.
Step 4: Evaluate Your Choices
Now, it’s time to weigh your options. Take a moment to think about which choice feels best for you.
Start by reflecting on the privacy each system offers. If confidentiality is a high priority, make sure you feel at ease with the professional/group’s settings and practices.
Look at their methods—are they a good fit for you? Are they experienced in dealing with post-abortion support specifically? Their philosophy and techniques must make you feel supported and understood.
Also, the type of care provided should be assessed. Some organizations might offer one-on-one counseling, which can help if you prefer a more personalized approach. Others may provide group sessions to foster a sense of bonding through shared experiences.
It’s perfectly fine to try out a few different options before deciding. You might attend a session or two with a therapist or sit in on a support group meeting to gauge how comfortable you feel. Sometimes, the right fit becomes clear only after you’ve had direct interaction with the service.
Step 5: Take the Leap of Faith
When you’ve made your decision about where to seek support, all that’s left to do is set things in motion. Schedule your first session with a therapist or sign up for a support group meeting. If an online forum feels right, go ahead and create your account to start exploring the community.
You might feel a mix of emotions at this stage- nervousness, uncertainty, and even a bit of reluctance. These feelings are common when stepping into new territory. Remember, this is a brave start to overcoming abortion grief.
To make things easier, you can ask for a brief introductory call or a casual meet-and-greet with your therapist/support group leader before diving in. Doing this can relieve some of your anxiety and make the transition smoother. For online forums like Hurt By Abortion, you might want to spend some time just reading through others’ posts, and then decide whether to post yourself.
Every step you take is a positive move toward recovery. You’re not just seeking help—you’re taking control of your journey towards healing.
Final Thoughts
Seeking support after an abortion is a sign of strength – not weakness. Healing from abortion regret isn’t always a straight line, and it’s okay to take it one step at a time. Allow yourself to move at your own pace and choose the support that feels most comfortable to you. As you proceed, know that each inquiry, each session, and each effort contribute to regaining your sense of self and peace.
At Hurt By Abortion, we understand what you’re going through. Our platform is here for you to share your story and connect with others who’ve been there – with complete confidentiality. Whether you choose to just browse or actively participate, you’re in control.
Begin your journey to healing.
