After your abortion, you may feel a range of physical and emotional side-effects.
Your emotions are valid. Your healing is personal. After-abortion recovery looks different for everyone. We are here to help.
If your struggling, there is hope.
What’s “Normal”?
It can be challenging to pinpoint what’s “normal” after an abortion. Loved ones or acquaintances who have had abortions might have shared their stories with you. But your experience is your own.
For some women, an abortion creates a feeling of relief. They may feel at peace with their decision. For others, the road is long and complicated.
The National Library of Medicine states that women can experience adverse mental health effects after abortion, including:
- Grief
- Feelings of loss
- Depression
- Anxiety
These feelings could be mild or even debilitating. You may find it hard to complete daily activities, spend time with friends and family, or even get out of bed in the morning. You aren’t alone; others have walked in your shoes.
Assessing How You Feel
It’s common to experience a wide range of emotions after an abortion, and everyone’s experience is unique. There is no right or wrong way to feel.
Some common experiences:
- Anger: It’s natural to feel angry. Some women are angry at their partners or family. Some women are angry at themselves. Some women even find themselves angry at pregnant women or women with small children.
- Sadness: Sadness is the most common emotion that we associate with grief. Remember that abortion represents a real loss in your life. It is natural to cry and feel sadness.
- Mixed emotions: Feeling relieved not to be pregnant and sad at the same time can be a confusing and common combination.
- Guilt: You may feel guilty after having your abortion, stating that abortion doesn’t align with your religious and personal beliefs.
- Regret: Some women feel they made the wrong decision and did not realize it until afterward.
- Loss of trust (due to outside influences): You may have been pressured by a partner, family member or employer, teacher, or coach who influenced your decision to abort.
- Shame: Having a safe space to be vulnerable about your feelings may help ease the feelings of shamefulness that can be associated with abortion. Talking about your experiences with others who have had similar experiences can benefit your healing.
Processing After-Abortion Emotions
It can be challenging to pinpoint what’s normal. You are unique and special, and your feelings are yours.
Here are some of the outlets Choices recommends:
- Art as therapy: When it’s challenging to put your feelings into words, art can help. Your level of artistic talent doesn’t matter; having the opportunity to express your emotions through color and mediums like paint or oil pastels can be both therapeutic and thought-provoking.
- Poetry and journaling: If you have strong emotions you want to express and feel comfortable doing so, sharing your thoughts via poetry and journaling can provide the solace you need. These activities allow you the space to be honest about your abortion experience.
- Exercise and hobbies: While these aren’t “quick fixes,” engaging in exercise or your favorite activity can introduce normalcy and remind you of what you enjoy.
- Connecting with loved ones: At this time, your friends and family may be quick to offer advice. Whether you accept it is entirely your choice, but sharing your story (if you feel comfortable) can allow them to be a listening ear. Community is vital to your after-abortion healing journey.
We’re Here For You
Choices is here to offer support when you’re ready. With our one-on-one and group meetings, we have something for everyone. We also have a nurse available who can answer any medical questions.
We’re committed to your well-being. Connect with us today to make a no-cost, confidential appointment.