Recovering from a Sexting Incident

Sexting has become such a widespread problem in our world today that has hurt so many people. Many who have fallen victim to this often feel vulnerable to everyone around them, like they have no one to turn to and no way out of the situation. If you happen to be one who has walked through this or know someone who has, we want you to know that you’re not alone in this and there is hope for you.

Sexting usually refers to sending nude or partially nude photos by text message. Of course, it can also happen over social media platforms and with laptop webcams. Research shows that approximately 1 in 7 teenagers reports sending sex-texts (sexts) and about 1 in 4 teens report receiving sexts.

So what happens after a sext is sent or received?

As we explained in another blog post on this topic, sometimes sexts are used for cyberbullying or revenge porn, sometimes sext photos are obtained by sexual predators, and sometimes law enforcement becomes involved because sexual or nude images of people under the age of 18 are illegal.

Maybe you sent a sext and now regret it because of the fallout. Or maybe you received a sext that ended up causing a lot of problems for you. What do you do now?

If you sent a sext and quickly lost control of the situation —

First, we want you to know that nobody deserves to be bullied, manipulated, blackmailed, or preyed upon. Even if you willingly made the choice to send a photo to someone you trusted, you don’t deserve to be mistreated. Yes, sending sexts is risky, but that doesn’t mean you deserve to be harmed. The person who posted or shared your pictures without your permission has intentionally hurt you, and that is wrong.

If your embarrassing or compromising photo ended up in the hands of people you never meant to see you, it’s normal for you to be upset or feel humiliated. Your pain and embarrassment can be made worse by people who victim-blame and shame. If that has happened to you, we’re so sorry. No one deserves to be treated this way.

So what can you do? Well, if someone has publicly shared an image you intended to be private, you may be able to take legal action. Some states have enacted revenge porn laws and most states have laws against sextortion — if you’re a minor and someone coerced you to send a nude picture of yourself. Before you talk to police, research your state laws because some states prosecute teens who send nude photos of themselves, charging them with child pornography distribution. And obviously – you don’t want to open yourself up to that. If this has happened to you, talk to your parents, a teacher, or a counselor. Your local legal aid office may also be able to answer some questions over the phone and give you some advice.

More important than legal action, though, is your need to take care of yourself emotionally and mentally. If you haven’t already, talk to an adult you can trust — a parent, a counselor, a pastor, a teacher. This can be a very traumatic experience and trying to hide or fix things on your own without help may lead to further harm to you. Find someone who will support you, encourage you, and love you through this.

We know this may seem like the end of the world — and that’s totally understandable. But fortunately, our culture’s attention spans are pretty short. Within a few days, there will be some new drama taking over social media and the gossip in your town. Hang in there. The emotions and thoughts you’ve experienced as a result of this won’t last forever. It takes time to heal.

If you received a sext and quickly lost control of the situation –

First, if you’re in legal trouble, seek counsel from a lawyer. A good lawyer will advise you of your rights and your best options.

But aside from the legal aspect, you may be living with a lot of guilt or shame right now. It’s important for you to know that you will recover from this. Even when our mistakes seem overwhelming, we can move forward.

It may help you to talk to a professional counselor or therapist. Either one can help you process all the emotions you might be experiencing. They can also help you find appropriate ways to apologize to anyone you may have hurt or harmed.

Whether you sent a sext you’ve come to regret or whether you received a sext and caused someone else harm, this doesn’t have to be the defining moment of your life. You’re so much more than this one thing. You are so valuable – worthy of love, of forgiveness, of respect.

If you need someone to talk to, we’re here for you. Call us and one of our staff members will listen and help you find the resources you need to walk through this.

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What to Do When Friends and Family Are Pressuring You into an Abortion Decision

April 2, 2025

What do you do when those closest to you start pushing you toward a decision that doesn’t feel right? Pressure from family or friends to choose abortion can leave you feeling stuck, unheard, and unsure of what to do next. How can you hold firm in your decision while dealing with well-meaning but overwhelming advice? Here’s what you can do to navigate this difficult situation with strength and resilience. Mental Health and Pressure Your decision should be your own—one that isn’t influenced by guilt or outside expectations. Studies show that women who feel pressured into abortion are more likely to experience guilt, anxiety, depression, and other negative mental health outcomes. Protecting your mental and emotional health starts with making a choice that aligns with what you truly want. Ways to Handle the Pressure Since you understand why this decision needs to be yours, here are some practical steps to help you handle outside pressure. Give Yourself Time You don’t have to decide right away. Take a moment, think through your feelings, and give yourself the gift to reflect without feeling rushed. You're less likely to regret a decision made on your terms. Learn About All Your Options Abortion isn’t your only choice. Parenting and adoption are also possibilities, each with its own forms of support and resources. Learning more about these options can help you make an informed decision you feel at peace with. Set Boundaries It can be tough to stand your ground when others have strong opinions about your decision. Clearly expressing your thoughts by setting boundaries can help you avoid unwanted pressure. Letting others know you need time and space to think can help shift the conversation away from their influence and back to what’s best for you. Advice from a Third Party Getting a different perspective on your situation can be helpful when seeking advice from someone outside your inner circle. This could be a professional counselor, an online support group, or a caring team member at Collage . You deserve people in your life who want to understand you without judgment. You Are Not Alone Even if those around you don’t fully understand, there are people who do. A supportive environment can make all the difference as you navigate this decision. Collage is here to walk with you during this time. We offer lab-quality pregnancy testing, limited OB ultrasounds, pregnancy options information, and more at no cost so you can get informed and have the support you need to move forward with certainty. Schedule a confidential appointment today.

The Role of Support Systems When Considering Abortion

March 7, 2025

Discovering you’re pregnant when you weren’t expecting can feel like the ground has shifted beneath you. A flood of questions may rush in. What do I do? Who can I talk to? How will this change my life? In moments like these, having a strong support system can make all the difference. The people around you—family, friends, a partner, or trusted mentors—can provide clarity, encouragement, and resources to help you navigate your options. Why Support Systems Matter It’s easy to feel isolated during an unexpected pregnancy with high stress and emotions. However, decisions made in isolation can be overwhelming and may lead to regret. Having a support system allows you to process your emotions, ask questions, and consider your next steps with a clear mind. Those who care about you can offer reassurance and help you explore the emotional, physical, and practical aspects of your decision. Avoiding Pressure and Outside Influence Unfortunately, some women experience pressure from their partner, family members, or even friends to make a decision they aren’t comfortable with. A healthy support system respects your right to make an informed choice without coercion. If you’re feeling pressured, it’s essential to reach out to someone who will listen, not dictate. Support should come from those who uplift and empower you, not those who push you into a choice based on their preferences. Seeking Reliable Information It’s crucial to have access to accurate medical information about abortion, its risks, and its alternatives. A strong support system can help you connect with organizations (such as Collage ) that offer factual, judgment-free care. You can also seek help from professional counselors or a mentor, but ultimately, surrounding yourself with people who prioritize your well-being can bring insight and peace of mind to your decision-making process. We’re Here For You At Collage, we understand how important support is when considering your options. We offer free and confidential pregnancy services, including lab-quality pregnancy testing, limited OB ultrasounds, abortion information, and more so you can make an informed choice. Even if you don’t feel you have a support system in your life, you have one with us. Reach out today to learn more about how we’re here for you.

Why Does an Ultrasound Matter if I’m Considering Abortion?

February 13, 2025

If you’re thinking about abortion, an ultrasound is a crucial step to gather essential information about your pregnancy. It provides key details that can help determine which options are available to you and ensures your health and safety as you make this important decision. At Collage , we offer free limited OB ultrasounds to give you the clarity and support you need, as well as more information on your pregnancy options. Ultrasounds During Pregnancy An ultrasound is a diagnostic tool that uses sound waves to create detailed images of your body. These images provide vital insights into your pregnancy, helping you make an informed decision. Here are three critical pieces of information an ultrasound can reveal: 1. The Location of Your Pregnancy An ultrasound can confirm if your pregnancy is located in the uterus. Sometimes, a pregnancy can implant outside the uterus, typically in a fallopian tube, resulting in an ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy is a serious condition that cannot result in a live birth and requires immediate medical attention to avoid a life-threatening situation. Even if you’re considering abortion, identifying an ectopic pregnancy through ultrasound is essential to protect your health. 2. How Far Along You Are (Gestational Age) Understanding how far along you are is critical for determining which abortion options you can access. For example, the abortion pill is FDA-approved only for pregnancies up to ten weeks gestation. If your pregnancy is further along, a surgical abortion would be the alternative option available, depending on the circumstances. Period-tracking apps can estimate gestational age, but they lack the accuracy of an ultrasound, which can precisely date your pregnancy. 3. Whether Your Pregnancy Is Progressing Not all pregnancies continue as expected—approximately 26% of pregnancies end in miscarriage. An ultrasound can detect if a miscarriage has occurred so you can follow up with the appropriate care plan. Protect Your Health As you can see, an ultrasound is an essential step in protecting your health and understanding your options. You deserve to make an informed and confident decision and the free limited OB ultrasounds Collage provides will help you to do just that. Contact us today to schedule your appointment. Our care and support are designed to help you through this crucial time. Let us be a source of strength for you.