Did you know abortion has the potential to impact mental health negatively? Women might feel prepared for the physical side effects following an abortion but can be blindsided by the emotional effects.
In this blog, we will uncover the potential emotional effects of abortion so you can stay informed.
What To Expect After Abortion
A study conducted by the American Psychological Association’s (APA) Task Force on Mental Health found that following an abortion, some women struggled with:
- Anxiety
- Depression or suicidal thoughts
- Struggles with substance abuse
- Sleep disorders
- Sadness
- Grief
- Feelings of loss
These symptoms were experienced days or weeks after an abortion. For some women, these symptoms carried on for years after a termination procedure.
It is important to remember that these side effects may not affect everyone. Some women will experience lesser impacts, while others will experience significant impacts on their emotional health.
What If I feel Suicidal?
Depression is one of the more serious side effects of abortion and can lead to thoughts of self-harm or even suicide.
You are not alone, and help is available. If you or a friend are having suicidal thoughts following an abortion, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 by calling 988.
Your Next Steps
Before making a pregnancy decision, be sure to speak with your doctor about questions you have and share any past struggles with mental illness.
Lastly, take some time to explore all your pregnancy options. Women’s Hope Medical Clinic offers free and confidential options consultations. You can learn more about abortion, adoption, and parenting in a no-pressure environment.
If you’ve already had an abortion and are struggling emotionally, we are still here for you. We provide post-abortive counseling to process your emotions and help you develop coping skills.
You can reach our team by calling or texting 334-502-7000 or filling out our confidential online contact form.
How you handle your unplanned pregnancy is completely up to you. Our goal is to provide factual information so you can feel confident in your decisions.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.