Did you know that May is Mental Health Awareness Month? Any time is a good time to talk about mental and emotional wellness. But if you’re coping with an unexpected pregnancy right now, this may be an especially timely conversation. Circumstances like yours are bound to trigger all kinds of perceived pressures and obligations. With these piling on top of each other, and the clock ticking, it can be easy to slip into “panic mode.” Here’s the good news… you don’t have to stay in that overwhelmed mental space. You have what it takes to build resiliency and navigate your decision-making process with a healthy mindset. Avenue Women’s Center is here to support and equip you every step of the way.
Chances are, your own mental health has taken a hit since you found out you were pregnant. That’s only natural. Just know that you’re stronger than you realize. At Avenue Women’s Center, we’re all about helping women identify their strengths and discover new resources, so they can journey on with as much confidence as possible. We believe that knowledge and confidence are critical to creating a healthy mental space. And a healthier mindset often leads to healthier decisions.
Contact us today! All of our first-step pregnancy services are offered free of charge at five limited medical clinics in Chicagoland!
Pressure on Multiple Fronts
An unexpected pregnancy may be one of the most stressful and disorienting experiences a person can face. If you’re dealing with these circumstances, it’s probably safe to assume that you have a lot on your plate- practically and emotionally. First, you have a significant decision ahead of you (for abortion, adoption, or parenting). You may be taking time to research these options (if so, that’s admirable). You’re likely trying to establish care with a doctor, pregnancy clinic, abortion provider, or all of the above. Social pressures may also be weighing heavily on your mind. Perhaps you’re asking yourself questions like, “Should I tell my partner?”, “Should I tell my parents?”, and, “How will they react?”. Just sorting through your own feelings about the pregnancy and desires for the future can be very complex. Our expert team at Avenue gets it. We’re here to listen, support, and empower you with valuable tools, so you can rise above these challenges and lean into your own best outcome.
Practical Tips for Your Pregnancy Journey
Avenue Women’s Center has been serving women facing unexpected pregnancies since 1981. And in that time, we’ve noticed some patterns in the ways that individuals approach their pregnancy decisions. We’ve found that these practices increase women’s odds of feeling confident and decisive when the time comes to choose abortion, adoption, or parenting:
- Slow down. Take a deep breath. A positive pregnancy test result can be a lot to absorb, even for women who intend to get pregnant. Give yourself time and space to let the news sink in. Allow your emotions to settle a bit before making a choice. Most women discover they’re pregnant weeks before the “windows of opportunity” for certain options have passed.
- Get support from the right source. A healthy support system is vital when it comes to coping with stressful circumstances of any kind. If you don’t have a support network or haven’t told anyone about your pregnancy, start by choosing one trustworthy person to confide in. This could be a personal acquaintance or a professional. Ideally, your confidante will be a great listener, and willing to provide honest feedback with respect and unconditional support.
- Learn about your pregnancy and your options. By learning the processes and risks involved with all three of your pregnancy options, you’ll be able to look back on your decision knowing you made the most informed choice possible. You’ll also have a sense of what to expect concerning the option you choose. Getting information about your pregnancy can be highly valuable as well. An ultrasound can identify concerns that may require medical attention, along with your gestational age (how far along you are). This will determine which option(s) you’re eligible for.
Tips for Maintaining Your Mental Stamina
There are a number of additional coping skills you can use to maintain your mental health and discover hope for the future, however painful your circumstances may feel right now. Check out these tips from a Psychology Today article entitled, “Stay Mentally Strong When Dealing With Unexpected Adversity”:
- “Try to Limit Overthinking.” It’s important to distinguish between productive thinking and “overthinking”- the kind that accomplishes very little, aside from throwing you into an anxious tailspin. The author of this article recommends journaling or processing with a trusted support person to limit unhealthy thought patterns.
- “Watch Your Whys.” The author of the Psychology Today article explains the value of seeing setbacks as temporary and within your control. This kind of perspective can allow you to view your problems as challenges that can lead to solutions. Sometimes, it’s best to let go of the, “Why?”. There’s not always a reasonable explanation for why we’re facing what we’re facing. It’s better to focus on the next steps, rather than get stuck in self-pity or dwell on questions that can’t be answered.
- “Embrace the Suck, But Pivot Toward Hope.” The Psychology Today article puts it best: “All too often, it can be tempting to avoid the unpleasant emotions, or numb them, when in reality, facing those things is what will help you move through. What’s important is to learn the lessons you need to learn and feel the emotions you need to feel, and then pivot toward hope.” The author recommends cultivating hope by creating achievable goals, identifying how to reach them, and trusting that you’re capable of overcoming any barriers in your path.
At Avenue, we’re passionate about educating individuals on their options and equipping them with information regarding their unique pregnancies. We understand that your time is extremely valuable. Adding another appointment to an already busy schedule may seem counterintuitive to someone who’s trying to de-stress. If that’s how you feel, we hear you, and we’d love a chance to prove how beneficial our services really are. We believe that reliable pregnancy information, provided with compassion and neutrality, is key to discovering self-insight. We truly offer a safe and pressure-free space to process your next steps.
Learn more about Avenue and reach out to us! We understand your need for prompt care and support. We accept walk-ins, and we can often offer same-day appointments!
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Reference:
Psychology Today. (2021, February). Stay Mentally Strong When Dealing With Unexpected Adversity. Retrieved from: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/pressure-proof/202102/stay-mentally-strong-when-dealing-with-unexpected-adversity
The information provided here is general in nature. It is not a substitute for a consultation with a medical professional. Before any medical procedure, it is imperative that you discuss your personal medical history, risks, and concerns with your doctor. If you have questions during or after a procedure, your doctor should be immediately contacted. Avenue Women’s Center is not an emergency center. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, such as bleeding and/or pain, seek immediate medical attention. Contact your physician, go to an emergency room, or call 911.