There’s a lot of focus on the physical effects of abortion, but it’s also important to consider how it might affect your mental health. The emotional and psychological impacts can be significant and vary from person to person.
Understanding both the immediate and long-term mental effects is crucial for anyone considering an abortion, ensuring they receive the necessary support and resources.
Abortion And Your Mental Health
Every woman reacts differently to an abortion emotionally. Some might face mental health issues soon after the procedure, while others may experience them weeks, months, or even years later. It’s essential to recognize that these challenges can affect some women, highlighting the need for ongoing mental health support after an abortion.
American Psychological Association’s (APA) Task Force on Mental Health and Abortion (TFMHA) found that “It is clear that some women do experience sadness, grief, and feelings of loss following termination of a pregnancy, and some experience clinically significant disorders, including depression and anxiety.”
Elevated Risks
Abortion can cause women to be at an increased risk for conditions such as:
- Eating disorders
- Substance abuse disorder
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Suicidal behaviors
You could be more at risk if you have any pre-existing conditions, such as:
- Having a history of mental health disorders
- Feeling pressured to terminate the pregnancy by others
- Lacking a support system to help you recover emotionally from the abortion
- A desire to have children now or in the future
How To Combat Adverse Mental Health Risks
The most critical thing you can do is to make sure you take charge of your pregnancy decision and don’t feel pressured into any one path. The next thing you can do is to get fully informed about abortion and all of its physical and mental health risks.
If you’ve already had an abortion, there are a few other things you can do:
- Find a Therapist
- Join support groups to connect with others
- Try journaling or creative activities to process your feelings
- Take up hobbies you enjoy
- Talk to supportive friends and family
- Spend time with loved ones
Talk With Us
If you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy, talk with us at Today’s Choice Women’s Center. We provide free pregnancy services to help you understand your pregnancy and options.
If you’ve already had an abortion, we offer Post-Abortive Care and can refer you out for professional counseling/mental health and other social services.
