Post Abortion: I Had an Abortion, Now What?
Oftentimes women feel relief after an abortion. That’s a normal response. There could be some sadness or stress through the experience but for many women, things can start to get back to normal in their lives very quickly. The relief of having had an abortion and no longer being pregnant may help the experience become quickly forgotten when life quickly moves along.
Not everyone’s experience with abortion is the same though. Just like everyone’s circumstances and reasons for having an abortion are different, their individual responses to the experience can be unique as well. Sometimes women come into the centre and share that they have experienced some negative emotions or symptoms following their past abortion(s).
Women may experience a variety of symptoms and emotions following an abortion.
Some have shared with us that they have experienced one or more of the following reactions: unexplained sadness, depression, guilt, sexual problems or promiscuity, inability to forgive themselves, drug and alcohol abuse, nightmares, eating disorders, difficulty with relationships, anger, grief, lowered self-esteem, a sense of shame, discomfort around children and/or pregnant women, anxiety, etc.
If you, or someone you know, is experiencing any of these symptoms, we are here to help. And we want you to know that you are not alone in what you are experiencing. We have helped many women walk through the pain that may accompany their abortion experience. If you need to talk, we are here. But there are also some other important ways you can take care of yourself if you are processing a past abortion:
· Talk to someone
For some women opening up to another person is hard. It can be easier to keep something inside and present a different face to the rest of the world. Allowing someone else to see the inner parts of ourselves and our private lives can be a challenge. As hard as it may be, it can be a powerful way to move forward and process. Sharing with everyone may not be wise or helpful but finding at least one trusted person that has a proven track record of being non-judgmental and supportive might help. Sometimes it’s nice to process out loud and get out of our own heads.
· Process alone in healthy ways
There are also many ways you can take time alone to process your experience and emotions. Whether it was recently or several years ago, taking inventory of your thoughts and feelings can help you process. You may find writing things out helps clear your mind and focus your thoughts. It may also help you connect your emotions and thoughts together. Journaling, blogging, painting or other creative expressions can be a fun and relaxing way to begin to let any of your emotions and thoughts out of your brain and heart. Once they are out on paper or in the open and released from your mind you may find you feel a bit freer.
· Self-care
You are important. Whenever we walk through challenging circumstances that bring with them a range of emotions we can also feel conflicting thoughts about ourselves too. No matter how you may feel about yourself you need to take care of yourself. Draw a hot bubble bath, take some time to relax, exercise or go for a jog. There are countless ways you can practice self-care. If you need help finding what practices help you relax and rest, check out this link: https://acleanbake.com/self-care-ideas/,
As always our Client Advocates are available to provide emotional support to those who may need someone to talk to about a previous abortion experience. Whether an abortion took place recently or several years ago, we are here to listen without judgment. Regardless of your situation, our post-abortion support workers are women who are here to help you heal and walk alongside you in your journey. We also see men who are struggling with a past abortion as well. Post-abortion support is available for anyone who feels they need someone to talk to. Please contact us if you need to talk.
DISCLAIMER: WE ARE NOT A MEDICAL FACILITY, SO ANY MEDICAL PROBLEMS SHOULD BE ADDRESSED WITH YOUR PHYSICIAN.