The side effects of an abortion can vary among women, and this is the same for the mental health effects. Some women might see a change in their mental health, while others might struggle with sadness, guilt, shame, or regret. These feelings can increase the risk of developing a mental health disorder like anxiety or depression.
Learning about the mental health risks of abortion is vital in choosing an outcome for your pregnancy.
Who is at Risk?
While every woman is unique, and no one knows how an individual will react to an abortion, there are some predictors that a woman might struggle with her mental health after she obtains an abortion. These risk factors include:
- Feeling like abortion is their only choice
- Feeling pressured into an abortion
- Wanting to have kids
- Personal views against abortion
- Past struggles with mental health
Whether or not a woman has these risk factors for mental health struggles following an abortion, she must consider all the facts to make an informed decision that leaves her with confidence.
Post-Abortion Stress Syndrome
In the mental health field, some professionals have created a label to diagnose women struggling with post-abortion feelings so they can get the help they need. Post-abortion Stress Syndrome (PASS) can differ between women.
The abortion experience can leave some women at an increased risk of the following:
- Substance use disorder
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Suicidal behaviors
If you’re considering abortion as an outcome of your pregnancy, seek counseling to discuss your feelings before you make your choice. Processing your feelings with someone you can trust can help you weigh your options.
Hope Pace is Here to Help
Contact us today to let us know how we can support you. Hope Place offers free pregnancy testing, and we can walk you through your options so you can feel empowered to make a confident decision.
If you have experienced an abortion and are struggling with your mental health, there is hope. Find healing in an understanding community that can support you on your journey to recovery.
You don’t have to go through this alone.