Following an initial moment of shock may have been the emergence of feelings of ambivalence after learning you’re pregnant. Processing the new information of a positive pregnancy test understandably might have led you to feel afraid. But after immersing yourself back into your standard routine, perhaps your negative emotions appeared to recede. This is normal. Sometimes, in order to maneuver through a sudden change, our minds construct a wall of detachment. The wall blocks the situation from our view. This prevents us from acknowledging what’s happening and helps us hide from potential fears of the unknown. Everyone has their own unique set of coping strategies. If you’ve recognized possible feelings of detachment, it can be helpful to find a place where you can talk safely about your pregnancy concerns.
It’s not unusual to attempt to detach ourselves from circumstances we may not want to think about, especially in an unexpected pregnancy. Avenue Women’s Center offers free services at our six locations in DuPage County. Our caring staff can meet with you for a confidential discussion. We’ll help you confirm your results with a free, medical-grade pregnancy test. We will listen to your unique concerns and take the time to understand your individual story. Receive reliable information and support as we partner with you through this journey.
Contact us today for a free consultation within a nonjudgmental environment!
Dealing With Opposing Thoughts
Conflicting feelings might have arisen upon confirmation of your unexpected pregnancy. Perhaps your thoughts had begun to switch back and forth, much like a pendulum. At one point, your mind may have swung towards abortion as an option, only to swing back towards parenting. Then maybe they swung towards adoption, then back to abortion, then towards parenting again before landing on uncertainty.
In an attempt to prevent feelings of helplessness and anxiety from rising to the surface, you may have constructed the wall to separate yourself from them. Taking your time with an unexpected pregnancy decision is beneficial. But hiding from circumstances that seem threatening can prolong our ability to reflect on our feelings regarding our pregnancy options. By not consulting our emotions in what may be a stressful scenario, we may be lead towards a quick decision that may not align with how we actually feel.
Coping With Feelings of Detachment
Have you tried talking to anyone about the pregnancy? It can be tempting to tell ourselves we must shoulder the burden of this alone. If you have spoken to someone, you may be concerned about them making a choice for you. A friend or family member may tell us what they think we should do because they want to help us. But often, knowing we have their support can be a positive thing.
But are you still detaching yourself from the pregnancy by agreeing with your loved one’s advice? Have you asked yourself about what you perceive to be the long-term benefits and consequences of each option?
This is why it may be helpful to confide in a counselor or a pregnancy consultant as well. These resources are typically trained to offer you unbiased support. They can provide space to talk about what you may be facing by allowing you to share your story. You do not have to take down the wall you’ve built for yourself right away, as this may overwhelm you. But by working with a trusted professional, you may be able to chip away at it in order to formulate a healthy resolution.
Moving Towards a Decision
Venting your feelings with an active and experienced listener can be helpful. It can move you towards a place where you feel a bit more confident in your understanding of them. Surrounding yourself with an atmosphere of trust and encouragement can be a good way to start asking questions as you think about how to move forward with a plan. Planning your next steps can seem difficult. But receiving feedback about your thought processes from a positive outlet can assist with thinking clearly about how to begin to take action.
We understand coping with a feeling of detachment following an unexpected pregnancy can be difficult. The compassionate staff at Avenue Women’s Center is here to guide you through your pregnancy options of abortion, adoption, and parenting. We’ll help you process through your feelings during a private consultation. An unexpected pregnancy often carries a set of concerns that are unique to each person. We are trained to assist by responding to the needs of each woman who comes through our door.
Reach out today for sincere attention and care at any of our six locations throughout the Chicagoland area!
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.