Having an abortion is an emotionally complex decision. If you’ve had an abortion, whether recently or years ago, and are experiencing difficult emotions, you’re not alone.
The Journal of American Physicians and Surgeons found that almost 75% of women who had an abortion felt at least subtly pressured into having one. And of these women who felt pressured into abortion, many suffered psychological effects afterward, including:
- Shame
- Guilt
- Regret
- Self-hatred
- Worthlessness
- Feeling unworthy of love
- Low self-esteem
- Anxiety
If you’re experiencing any of these difficult emotions after an abortion, it’s essential to know that hope and healing are possible.
Read on to learn strategies you can take to get on a path toward emotional recovery. Or reach out to 1st Way anytime to schedule a free, safe, supportive appointment with one of our caring team members.
Journal About What You’re Going Through
Bottling your emotions can make them feel overwhelming, like a shaken soda about to explode. However, letting your feelings out on paper is like a release valve that helps them become easier to manage.
Journaling is a private space where you can be completely honest with what you’re going through without fear of judgment. To get started, it can help to write your answers to the following questions:
- What emotion am I struggling with most right now?
- What makes this feeling worse?
- What makes it better?
- What would healing look like for me?
Talk to Someone You Trust
Journaling provides a necessary foundation to begin your healing journey, but talking to someone you trust can take you further.
When choosing someone to talk to, you want to ensure that you can trust them and that they will not pass judgment.
Talking to a counselor or support group can be beneficial if you don’t know anyone personally. A counselor or support group will allow you to share your feelings and experiences in a non-judgmental, compassionate space.
We’re Here for You
Experiencing the difficult emotions that arise after an abortion can feel isolating, but you’re not alone in this. At 1st Way, we’re here for you.
Contact us today to talk and learn about free, supportive resources that are here to help.
