Are you feeling grief, regret, loss, anxiety, or other overwhelming emotions after having an abortion? If so, you’re not alone.
A report by the American Psychological Association’s (APA) Task Force on Mental Health and Abortion (TFMHA) found that “it is clear that some women do experience sadness, grief, and feelings of loss following termination of a pregnancy, and some experience clinically significant disorders, including depression and anxiety.”
While these difficult emotions can make it feel like you have a constant dark cloud looming overhead, there is hope. You can find healing from emotional trauma after an abortion.
Read on to learn practical strategies that can help you get on a path of recovery.
Talk to Someone You Trust
Have you ever talked about your abortion experience? If not, this is an essential step toward healing. When you keep your emotions bottled up inside, they can quickly escalate and make you feel overwhelmed. But when you talk about your emotions and experience, these feelings become more manageable.
It’s important to choose someone you trust to open up to. You want to talk with someone who won’t be judgmental or overbearing but will instead be a good listener. Talking to someone isn’t necessarily about getting advice—it’s about giving you the space to talk about what you’re going through and feel heard.
Find a Support Group or Trauma Counselor
If you feel like your emotions are interfering with your daily routines, seeking help is essential. A support group can be a cathartic space. At a support group, you’ll be surrounded by other people who understand what you’re going through. As you listen to their stories and share your own, your difficult feelings can become less overwhelming and easier to work through.
A trauma counselor is another option. Trauma counselors are trained to help people work through traumatic events and can give you strategies to help you heal.
What If I Don’t Know Where to Turn?
The most important thing to know is you’re not alone, and emotional recovery is possible. At Vie Medical Clinic, we understand what you’re going through and are here to help you get on a path toward healing. Contact us to speak confidentially with one of our counselors. Give us a call today at (620) 235-0605.
