Why Am I Feeling This Way After My Abortion?
To the hurting,
Ending a pregnancy can be an emotionally challenging experience. You may have days when you cannot get it off your mind. You may feel numb or have waves of sadness and tears. Know that others have felt the same emotions. You're not alone with your feelings.
It's important to know that all women experience a variety of emotions after an abortion. Feelings of relief, sadness, grief, guilt, and depression are common. There's no right or wrong way to feel. You may feel relieved. You may feel sad. You might feel several emotions all at once. That's not unusual. It's important for you to acknowledge these emotions and allow yourself to grieve in your own way.
It's important to have a support system. Reach out to a trusted friend or family member who cares about you and will listen to you. Abortions can be hard to talk about, so if you're feeling overwhelmed by your emotions or memories of your experience, it's helpful to talk to a therapist or counselor. Sharing your feelings can help you process your emotions and feel less alone.
It's also important to take care of yourself physically during this time. Make sure you're eating well, staying hydrated, and getting enough rest. Be kind to yourself. Recovery times vary from person to person. Give your body time to heal. Take time to do things that make you feel good, whether it's going for a walk, reading a book, or spending time with loved ones. Know that if there are tears, it's okay to cry.
Did you have a follow-up appointment a few weeks after, whether you had a procedure or took pills? If not, have you experienced any physical symptoms or complications? How have these impacted your emotional well-being? If mood changes interfere with your daily life or don't go away, let your doctor know. If you're having physical challenges afterward, you should contact a doctor.
I hope that these words offer some comfort during this difficult time. Remember that you're not alone and that your abortion doesn't define you.
There are resources available to support you. If you'd like to talk with someone who knows this pain, we're here to listen and help in your healing journey. Feel free to email us to learn more about what our after-abortion help looks like.
With care and understanding,
The Collage Team
