Women’s mental health effects after having an abortion can vary for each individual. This process can be tolling mentally and emotionally, causing women to face sadness, guilt, and stress. Understanding these risks and speaking with a trusted provider or clinic can prove helpful before or after undergoing an abortion procedure.
What Is Mental Health?
Mental health is often spoken about but rarely defined. According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, “Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices.”
Since mental health affects so many factors, we need to care for and attend to our psychological needs, much like our physical health.
Understanding early warning signs are essential. As listed by the U.S. Department of Health’s website, some of these include:
- Excessively sleeping or eating, or not doing either enough.
- Isolating yourself from people and activities.
- Have less energy.
- Feeling empty, numb.
- Unexplainable aches and pains.
- Feeling hopeless or helpless.
- Using drugs, including drinking or smoking more often.
- Feeling confused, forgetful, on edge, upset, worried, or scared.
- Becoming upset with family and friends.
- Having severe mood swings.
- Having constant thoughts that are difficult to push out of your mind.
- Hearing voices or losing a sense of what’s true.
- Contemplating self-harm or harming others.
- Inability to do daily tasks.
What Are the Symptoms That Can Present After Abortion?
According to the National Library of Medicine, “…abortion is consistently associated with elevated rates of mental illness compared to women without a history of abortion.”
The Cleveland Clinic states that while some women may experience some relief, it can be plagued by:
- Sadness
- Stress
- Guilt
It’s important to find someone you can speak to about your feelings and any emotions you may be struggling with. These feelings can be difficult to navigate on your own.
Who Can I Discuss My Options With?
Please remember you’re not alone. Whether you need options counseling or post-abortive care, we are here to help.
We can explain what abortion means for your mental and physical health while assisting you in finding the answers and support you seek.
Contact us today for your free, confidential appointment, and together we can explore your options, no matter your needs!