If you’re recently pregnant and thinking about abortion, you may be considering your mental health. Abortion affects women both physically and mentally. The mental health effects following an abortion aren’t talked about as much but are just as important to prepare for.
Here’s what you need to know before scheduling an abortion to best protect your mental and emotional well-being.
What Is Mental Health?
What exactly is mental health? According to the World Health Organization, “Mental health is a state of well-being in which an individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.”
Mental health can have a major impact on someone’s everyday life, including relationally, emotionally, and physically.
What Are the Mental Health Effects of Abortion?
Emotional impacts of abortion can include feelings of guilt, anger, shame, regret, loneliness, or depression. A report published by the American Psychological Association’s task force concluded that some women will experience feelings of sadness, grief, and loss following an abortion.
The report shared that women who have struggled with mental health issues in the past are at greater risk for developing significant mental illnesses such as depression or anxiety after an abortion.
Depression After Abortion
Not every woman will experience depression following an abortion, but many do. Some signs of depression are sadness, irritability, lack of energy, loss of interest in sex, loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed, and suicidal thoughts.
If you ever feel like harming yourself or are suicidal, the Suicide and Crisis Line is available 24/7 by calling 988.
Support Is Here
Embrace offers no-cost pregnancy confirmation and pregnancy options information so you can be sure of the next steps in your pregnancy journey.
From the moment you discover you’re pregnant to sitting in the waiting room for your abortion, it is okay to change your mind. Abortion is a significant decision and not something to take lightly.
Schedule an appointment if you’d like to speak with someone one-on-one about abortion.