If you have had an abortion and now feel that you are struggling emotionally, you are not alone.
Studies have shown that many post-abortion women experience emotional and mental health side effects after their abortion. If left unaddressed, these side effects can lead to more significant issues like substance abuse, anxiety, and depression.
That’s why identifying that you are struggling with emotional trauma is the important first step in taking a path to recovery and healing.
What is Emotional Trauma?
The negative emotions you may be feeling after an abortion are what mental health experts often refer to as emotional trauma.
This type of trauma is defined as “damage or injury to the psyche after living through an extremely frightening or distressing event and may result in challenges in functioning or coping normally after the event.”
Indicators that you are struggling with emotional trauma include symptoms like:
- Anger
- Fear
- Sadness
- Shame
It may be difficult at first to unpack these symptoms and how they relate to your trauma. Talking with someone you trust can be a helpful first step in processing your thoughts and emotions as they relate to your abortion experience.
Keep in mind, though, that if you’re struggling with more serious mental health symptoms like suicidal impulses, self-destructive behavior or are abusing drugs or alcohol, then it’s very important to contact a mental health professional right away.
Steps to Recovering Emotionally
Speaking with a mental health professional is always a helpful step in finding emotional healing after your abortion experience. But there are also several steps you can take on your own to create an environment that can foster healing from emotional trauma.
These steps include:
- Talking with others about how you feel.
- Trying meditation or deep breathing exercises and participating in physical activity.
- Taking care of yourself.
- Get plenty of sleep.
- Eat a healthy diet.
- Drink enough water.
- Avoiding alcohol, drugs, and tobacco.
- Getting back to your daily routine.
- Getting involved in your community.
Remember, finding healing after an emotionally traumatic experience doesn’t happen instantly, so be sure to give yourself the time needed to process and recover.
We are Here for You
If you need help and someone to talk to after your abortion, we are here to help.
Our trained staff at Lilli Women’s Center can not only help you process your thoughts and feelings but can connect you with the resources that have helped other women emotionally heal after an abortion.
If you are struggling emotionally after your abortion or are pregnant and worried about the impact an abortion will have on your mental health, then contact us today to make a free appointment to speak with a member of our team.
The path to emotional recovery is not just crucial to your mental health but also to your overall health and future. Let us help you on your journey to healing.
