If you’ve had an abortion and are experiencing difficult emotions, you’re not alone. The Journal of American Physicians and Surgeons found that nearly 75% of women who had an abortion felt pressured into making the decision, and many suffered psychological effects afterward, including depression, guilt, shame, regret, self-hatred, feelings of unworthiness, anxiety, and even thoughts of suicide.
If you’re struggling with these post-abortion emotions, hope and healing are possible. Read on to learn about how implementing various strategies can get you on a path toward emotional recovery.
Talk to Someone about Your Feelings
When you keep your feelings bottled up inside, they have a tendency to grow larger and become overwhelming. However, when you talk about your feelings, it’s like a release valve that helps you gain perspective and manage your emotions.
The first step is finding someone you trust to share your feelings with. You want to choose someone who will listen without passing judgment. If you don’t know anyone personally, a counselor or a support group can be helpful.
Journal about Your Experience
Traumatic events can be difficult to talk about to other people. If you don’t feel ready to share your feelings with another person, journaling is a cathartic option. Journaling allows you to write down your thoughts and feelings without worrying about what other people will think.
When journaling, you don’t need to be concerned about grammar or spelling. Journaling is a private place to explore your feelings about an experience. This self-reflective exercise will give you perspective and help you work through your emotions.
Next Steps
Dealing with the trauma of abortion can make you feel isolated. But you’re not alone. At Cornerstone Women’s Resource Center, we’re here for you. We offer a caring, compassionate team who will listen to your thoughts, feelings, and concerns without judgment.
Contact us today to schedule a free, confidential appointment. Whether you had an abortion recently or many years ago, hope and healing are possible.