Emotional responses can vary after an abortion. You may be grieving, angry, regretful, numb, or unsure how to describe what you’re feeling. You may also have felt okay initially and found that certain emotions appeared months or even years later.
Whatever your experience has been, you don’t have to keep difficult feelings to yourself. Greater Hope Care Center offers post-abortion support with trained advocates and can provide referrals for counseling and community resources. Schedule a free appointment today to learn about the support available to you.
And read on to learn practical ways you can take steps toward emotional recovery after an abortion.
Let Yourself Acknowledge What You’re Feeling
Trying to ignore difficult emotions may seem easier, especially if you haven’t told many people about your abortion. However, acknowledging your feelings can be an important part of working through them.
Some women report emotional impacts like grief, sadness, anxiety, depression, or a sense of loss following an abortion. Others experience different emotions or a mixture of feelings that change over time.
Rather than judging yourself for how you think you “should” feel, pay attention to what you’re actually experiencing.
Find Healthy Ways to Process Your Experience
Emotional recovery can take different forms. Journaling may help you put thoughts into words. Exercise, time outdoors, prayer, creative activities, or spending time with loved ones may also provide an outlet when your emotions feel especially overwhelming.
Pay attention to your daily needs as well. Regular meals, enough sleep, movement, and time away from stressful situations can support your overall well-being while you work through more difficult emotions.
Know When You Need More Help
There is a difference between having a difficult day and feeling like your emotional health is interfering with daily life.
If sadness, anxiety, guilt, anger, or other emotions are persistent or making it difficult to work, sleep, maintain relationships, or handle everyday responsibilities, speaking with a licensed mental health professional may be helpful.
You don’t have to wait until things become unbearable before reaching out. Seek immediate professional help if you are thinking about harming yourself or feel that you are in danger. Your situation may feel very challenging right now, but there is hope.
Find Support That Fits You
You may not feel comfortable discussing your abortion with everyone in your life, but you also don’t have to process it entirely on your own.
Greater Hope Care Center’s trained advocates provide post-abortion support for those who want a place to address their experience. The center can also provide referrals to counseling and other community resources when additional help would be beneficial.
Schedule an appointment with Greater Hope Care Center today. Whether your abortion was recent or happened years ago, reaching out is an important first step toward healing.
*Greater Hope Care Center does not provide or refer for abortions.
**All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.
