The pregnancy test is positive and you are scared. You had goals and plans for your life and things were moving ahead. Having a baby was supposed to be a long way down the road, but now you are pregnant and the future looks bleak. You’ve always thought of yourself as being “against abortion”, but now you’re just not so sure. Having a baby would change everything you have planned and worked for. You feel panicked about the future and have no idea what to do. Did we just describe you? If so, may we encourage you today to stop, take a deep breath, and realize you will make it through this day and the days to come.
At Avenue Women’s Center we meet with women every day who face the uncertainties of an unexpected pregnancy. We provide a peaceful, caring and nonjudgmental environment where you can meet with one of our pregnancy consultants, who will help as you figure out next steps and navigate your way through this season. Our free and confidential services are located in four convenient locations, including Elmhurst, Glen Ellyn / Lombard, Naperville, and Wood Dale, Illinois. We hope you will contact us so we can help.
After you’ve taken that deep breath, we’d like to offer some tips to help you get through the days to come:
- First of all, don’t give in to panic. Sometimes getting through a difficult situation requires taking a step back, looking at the big picture, then figuring out your one next step… then the step after that… and so on. One step at a time, you will get through this.
- Become informed of all your options. Take some time to think about how “doable” each is. Think about how you will feel about each of your options, both now and in the future.
- Find someone you trust to talk things through with. This could be a trusted friend or family member, or one of our consultants here at Avenue Women’s Center.
- Realize you are not alone. Even if you feel you cannot talk with any of your friends or family just yet, you will find a caring listening ear here at Avenue Women’s Center. We want to help.
- Focus on what you can control. You will make it through this.
- Above all, be kind to yourself. Give yourself some extra self care during this stressful time.
Even with all of the above tips, sometimes women just feel too overwhelmed and find they can’t take that first step forward. Are you in danger? Do you feel things are so bleak that you are sinking into depression?
According to the National Institute of Mental Health Symptoms, as reported by WebMd, the following symptoms may indicate you are in danger of experiencing depression:
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions
- Fatigue and decreased energy
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and/or helplessness
- Feelings of hopelessness and /or pessimism
- Insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping
- Irritability/restlessness
- Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable, including sex
- Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment
- Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” feelings
- Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, please reach out for help. Call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. 1-800-273-8255
If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy and feeling unsure of your future, we at Avenue Women’s Center would be honored to support you and encourage you as you face this day and figure out your steps for the days to come. You will get through this! Please call, text, email or chat and one of our team members would be happy to assist you.
Resources:
- WebMD. (2016, April). Symptoms of Depression. Retrieved from: www.webmd.com/depression/guide/detecting-depression#1
Reviewed by Patricia Kuenzi, APN-CNP, MSN, ANP, PNP.
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.