Have You Experienced An Abortion?
Choosing to have an abortion is a major medical decision. It can affect you physically, emotionally, and psychologically. Every woman handles her abortion experience differently, but for some, it is traumatic, and they’re left with post-abortion stress syndrome (PASS).
Understanding Your Emotions
Many women experience initial relief after an abortion but struggle with their decision months and years later. More than physical side effects, women and men experience emotional side effects. You are not alone if you’re hurting from your abortion.
After an abortion experience, you might feel:
- Relief
- Shame
- Regret
- Denial
- Numbness
- Anger
- Anxiety
- Sadness
- Depression
What Is PASS?
Post-abortion stress syndrome or PASS is similar to PTSD or post-traumatic stress disorder. During pregnancy, hormones flood your body and alter your brain chemistry. After an abortion, your brain halts the production of these hormones, causing a whiplash-like situation that leaves your brain in a state of confusion.
Compound this event with the emotions leading up to the abortion procedure, and you are bound to have a physical and mental reaction. Sadly, many women feel they must suppress their feelings because they fear judgment about their abortion.
PASS can result in depression, self-harm, and eating disorders.
Moving Beyond Abortion
While we live in an age of mental health acceptance, we also live in a time of extreme political division, and abortion is the focus of many debates. The recent ruling overturning Roe vs. Wade has only heightened fear and confusion.
To help women become comfortable discussing their struggles with post-abortion stress syndrome, we need to set aside our political views and simply lend a compassionate ear and heart to those who are hurting silently.
Abortion Changes You
Abortion Changes You is a refuge for those wishing to tell their stories and begin the healing process. This resource offers a confidential space for those touched by abortion, whether the experience happened recently or years ago.