Choosing abortion can be a life-changing decision. Many women report immediately feeling relief following their abortion. But weeks, months, or perhaps years later, some women begin feeling sadness, guilt, and shame. There is healing, and the caring team at Options Women’s Care Center can help connect you with local programs.

Are You More Vulnerable?

In 2021, the NY Times stated the typical abortion patient is in her 20s. Older Gen Z and younger Millennial women fall in this age group. 

Sadly, Gen Z is also the group reporting significant mental health issues. Psychiatrist says doctors have diagnosed 42% of Gen Z with anxiety, depression, and even PTSD.

A study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) states, “abortion is consistently associated with elevated rates of mental illness compared to women without a history of abortion” The NIH also says, “there are risk factors, such as pre-existing mental illness, that identify women at greatest risk of mental health problems after an abortion.”

Your Emotions Are Valid

Even if you do not fall into the age group of the “typical” abortion patient, how you feel after your abortion is valid. 

Most women do not sit around a table at their local coffee shop discussing their abortions. Even though the topic is constantly in the news, women tend to stay quiet about their experiences for fear of judgment. 

Whether you’ve shared your story or not, your emotions are real. No one should question your struggle. We recognize that abortion is a major medical decision and treat it as such. It should never be considered a quick and easy “solution.”

Emotional Effects of Abortion

Some of the potential emotional effects of an abortion include depression. According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA), symptoms of depression include the following:

• Feeling sad or having a depressed mood
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
• Changes in appetite — weight loss or gain unrelated to dieting
• Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
• Loss of energy or increased fatigue
• Increase in purposeless physical activity (e.g., inability to sit still, pacing, handwringing) or slowed movements or speech (these actions must be severe enough to be observable by others)
• Feeling worthless or guilty
• Difficulty thinking, concentrating or making decisions
• Thoughts of death or suicide

Do any of these emotions sound familiar to you? If so, talk with us.

How We Can Help You

Our dedicated team is available to assist you if you are struggling emotionally after an abortion. We are here for you. Contact us.