An abortion is a major life event. In addition to physical side effects, an abortion can affect women emotionally and mentally. You may feel as though abortion is the only option, but you deserve to know all the risks of an abortion before deciding how to move forward with your pregnancy.
In this article, we will provide the details on how abortion can affect your mental health and some ideas of how to find support as you navigate the decisions regarding your health and future.
How Could An Abortion Affect My Mental Health?
Many women are familiar with the physical side effects of an abortion. These can include nausea, fever, headache, and cramping. But, abortion impacts the whole body. In a report, the American Psychological Association concluded that some women do report signs of mental distress after terminating a pregnancy; some reported having experienced significant disorders such as depression and anxiety.
Possible Emotional Side Effects Of Abortion
Abortion impacts every woman differently. While some women report feeling relief, others report negative emotions, such as:
- Guilt
- Grief
- Sadness
- Anger
- Shame
- Regret
- Loss of self-confidence
- Loneliness
- Depression or thoughts of suicide
Women who had previously struggled with mood disorders, were found more likely to experience negative emotions following an abortion.
If you ever experience thoughts of suicide or harming yourself or your unborn child, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 800-273-8255.
How To Find Support
We are here to help. If you’re feeling overwhelmed with the news of an unplanned pregnancy, start at Turlock Pregnancy & Health Center.
Our center provides free and completely confidential services that include pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, STI testing and treatment, and even post-abortion care. You matter to us. Make an appointment with one of our staff members today and let’s begin reclaiming your future.