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“Why Do I Feel Depressed After My Abortion?”

The emotional side-effects of an abortion can affect each woman differently, as while some women report feelings of relief after their abortion, some women have reported having a negative reaction to their experience. Emotional and psychological effects following an abortion can range from mild regret to serious complications such as depression. If you are looking into abortion and concerned about the possibility of depression or have had a previous abortion and are coping with lingering feelings, these emotions are completely normal to experience.

The Avenue Women’s Center recognizes that abortion experiences vary from woman to woman. If you are someone who is struggling with sadness or anxiety after your abortion, we are here to help by offering you compassionate and nonjudgmental support. With six locations throughout the western suburbs of Chicago, we have the resources needed for your next step. Reach out today to schedule an appointment.

Abortion’s Emotional Side-Effects and Steps Toward Healing

Describing what she felt after her abortion experience, Michaelene Fredenburg said, “when waves of grief, regret and self-reproach threatened to engulf me I could only conclude that there was something wrong with me. I was not supposed to feel this way. I felt alone; until I learned that I wasn’t.”

If you feel any emotional side effects from your abortion, such as regret, depression, or anxiety, please know this is nothing to keep secret, and talking with others who may have had the same experience can be helpful. While not all women report feelings of grief after their abortion, those who do may want to consider reaching out to find healing. The road to recovery may take time, but when depression is ignored, it often tries harder to make itself known to you.

To those who may carry a sense of loss after their abortion, accepting these emotions can assist with finding healing. This can be hard, as acknowledging the existence of a potential problem for the first time can be intimidating. But you may find that connecting with a group of women or another individual with shared experiences can help your healing to progress. Recognizing you are not alone may help you see there are others who have been in the same place as you, and leaning on their understanding may help to ease the transition into a place of recovery.

At the Avenue Women’s Center, we understand that healing takes time, and our confidential services are available at no cost to you. The potential after-effects of an abortion may leave you with feelings that are difficult to sort through, but that is why we our here to help. With a team of caring professionals, we offer compassionate and nonjudgmental support to assist in your journey towards healing. If you live in the western suburbs of Chicago, please call, chat, email, or text and schedule an appointment today!


References:

  • American Pregnancy Association. (2019, July). Abortion Emotional Side Effects. Retrieved from: https://americanpregnancy.org/unplanned-pregnancy/abortion-emotional-effects/
  • Fredenburg, Michaelene. (2017, October). Reproductive Loss: Giving Permission to Grieve. Issues in Law & Medicine. 32(2). Retrieved from: http://www.questia.com/library/journal/1P4-1943043733/reproductive-loss-giving-permission-to-grieve
  • WebMD. (2005 December). Abortion Impact: Long-Term Stress? Retrieved from: https://www.webmd.com/baby/news/20051212/abortion-impact-long-term-stress#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.