Post-abortion experiences vary from woman to woman. Sometimes they feel grief, loss, or numbness, but there is not a normal way to feel since every woman is different. Regardless of your particular journey and how you feel after your abortion, you are not alone in your struggle.
While what you may feel is unpredictable, some women have reported decreased self-esteem, grief, or depression. These negative emotions are especially true if you have struggled with your mental health in the past.
With the right support and action steps, the good news is that emotional recovery is possible! Read this article for steps you can take to find hope and healing in your post-abortion journey.
Give Yourself Time and Space
When an abortion occurs, there is a shock to your hormonal system, and it can affect how you feel as your body regains its normal hormonal levels.
As you navigate your post-abortive journey, understand that you won’t feel like your old self overnight. It takes time and effort.
Show yourself the same compassion that you would to a friend navigating the same experience. Take it slow, one day at a time. Try to add good things into your life that make you happy, like a coffee at the local coffee shop, or go on a walk at the park with a friend.
As you start this healing journey, make sure that you don’t isolate yourself.
Get Help From Your Support System
Whatever your reason for choosing abortion, you should not have to carry this alone. You don’t have to broadcast your decision to your entire family or friend group, but reach out to one or two trusted people and share your thoughts and feelings with them.
Just as it’s healthy for you to be around other people, it’s important to connect emotionally with a few trusted friends as well.
Seek Post-Abortive Care
Most importantly, we recommend seeking professional help. While having a solid support system is helpful, a trained professional who understands how difficult experiences can affect our brains and thought patterns is irreplaceable.
They can provide a safe space for you to share your feelings and equip you with practical tools on how to heal.
At Ridgeway Women’s Clinic, we offer a variety of resources for post-abortive support and a safe, peer-supported space for you to process your emotions.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us today. We are eager to support you on your post-abortion journey.
