Like any significant life event, abortion produces all kinds of emotions. And those emotions can cause ripples in a woman’s mental health. Studies of women who experienced abortion show that many of those women go on to face depression, suicidal feelings, and substance abuse.
While “many” is not “all” women, it’s never wise to downplay the difficult emotions women may deal with after having an abortion.
Our bodies are intimately connected to our minds and hearts (feelings). So it totally makes sense that life events that affect our physical health will also make some kind of impact on our mental health. What that impact looks and feels like, however, will be as unique as each individual.
The question is, what can a woman do about her post-abortion emotions in order to protect her mental health?
Recognize the Feelings are Real
First of all, you feel what you feel. You may feel relief or sadness, numbness or anger, or a whole range of other emotions. Further, you may feel one set of emotions right away, and then feel very differently later.
Hormonal changes following an abortion can certainly mess with your emotions. “Any pregnancy loss will lead to an interruption in the hormone cycle,” says this article in Medical News Today. “The negative feelings that occur after a planned termination may be at least due to hormonal changes, which are similar to those occurring after an unplanned pregnancy loss.” In other words, abortion can produce feelings similar to those after a miscarriage, at least partially due to hormonal changes.
Additionally, external factors can influence your feelings about an abortion. The American Psychological Association says women describe being influenced by:
- a sense of being socially stigmatized
- lack of support
- previous mental health challenges
- certain personality traits, such as low self-esteem
- whether the pregnancy was wanted
Whatever their cause, your feelings are your feelings. Don’t let anyone tell you that you shouldn’t feel a certain way. Some people view abortion as an “issue” and discourage women from expressing any feelings that don’t align with their position on the “issue.” But that’s not helpful to the women involved. They may feel compelled to suppress or hide their true feelings. And that’s never good for mental health.
You feel what you feel.
Seek Help if You Show Signs of Depression
Some women may experience not only negative feelings but actual depression in the wake of abortion. According to WebMD, symptoms to watch for include:
- Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities, including sex
- Restlessness, crankiness, or excessive crying
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness, hopelessness, pessimism
- Sleeping too much or too little, early-morning waking
- Appetite and/or weight loss, or overeating and weight gain
- Less energy, fatigue, feeling "slowed down"
- Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts*
- Trouble concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
- Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain
Women dealing with depression can find it hard to work or even do regular chores. They may struggle to maintain healthy relationships or keep a job.
If you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms, please talk to your doctor right away. You deserve caring support that restores and protects your mental health.
* For immediate support and help when facing thoughts of suicide, call 1-800-658-2429 for Western Mental Health’s crisis hotline or text 988 any time of night or day.
Acknowledge that Feelings May Change
As time passes, your circumstances and your perspective on your abortion change. So, it isn’t surprising that your feelings about it can change too.
The same is true of many significant life events: We can’t see their full effect on our lives until we have watched it play out over time. This is why many women seek help with their mental health long after their abortions took place.
As your own future moves forward, take time to honestly acknowledge any adverse impacts abortion may have had on yourself, your relationships, and your mental health. Then you can begin to seek peace and restoration in those aspects of your life.
Talk About Your Feelings in a Safe Setting
When it comes to finding healing for mental health issues brought on by abortion, nothing compares to finding a nonjudgmental, caring confidant with whom you can share those difficult and complicated feelings. And a confidant who is equipped to compassionately address the feelings particular to abortion would be ideal.
When it comes to having those delicate conversations around abortion, the trained team of advocates at Choices Pregnancy Center is here for women, not the “issue.” We care about women before, during, and after pregnancy. And that’s true regardless of how “after pregnancy” came about.
If you or someone you know is facing mental health challenges following an abortion—no matter how long ago it occurred—please don’t hesitate to contact us. At Choices, we are committed to helping you find peace and healing. We also have a professional network we can help you access for further help if you wish.
Don’t let abortion have the last word on your mental health. There is hope. Let’s talk.