Dealing with the emotions and aftermath of an abortion can be a challenging and complex process for many individuals. It’s important to remember that everyone’s experience is unique, and there is no right or wrong way to feel. If you’re struggling to come to terms with your abortion, here are ten strategies that may help you navigate this difficult time:
Seek Support
Reach out to friends, family, a therapist, or a support group. Talking about your feelings can be incredibly beneficial and help you feel less alone in your experience. If you need help to find a counsellor or someone to talk to please reach out.
Allow Yourself to Grieve
It’s okay to feel a range of emotions, including sadness, guilt, or relief. Give yourself permission to grieve the loss of the pregnancy and the potential future that you had envisioned. Allow yourself to mourn the loss while also recognising that you made the best decision you could at the time.
Educate Yourself
Understanding the reasons behind your decision and the facts about abortion can help you feel more empowered and less alone in your experience. Knowing that you are not alone in your decision can help you feel more confident in your choice. We have a lot of useful information throughout our site which may give you some closure, other helpful places for information are Family Planning, Women’s Helpline and National Women’s Health.
Practice Self-Care
Engage in activities that help you relax and de-stress, weather it be meditation, yoga, spending time in nature – or maybe for you it’s watching tv and curling up with your cat in bed with a hot cocoa. Taking care of your physical and emotional well-being is important during this time of healing.
Journal Your Thoughts
Writing can be a therapeutic way to process your emotions and gain clarity about your feelings. Consider keeping a journal to document your thoughts and feelings as you navigate this difficult time.
Connect with Others
Joining online forums or support groups for individuals who have had abortions can provide a sense of community and understanding. If you feel safe and comfortable, sharing your experience with others who have been through similar situations can be incredibly validating and comforting.
Challenge Stigma
Remind yourself that your decision was valid and made with careful consideration of your circumstances. It’s important to challenge any feelings of shame or guilt and recognise that you made the best decision you could at the time.
Seek Professional Help
A therapist or counsellor can provide you with tools and strategies to cope with your emotions and move forward in a healthy way. Professional support can be incredibly beneficial as you navigate the complex emotions surrounding your abortion. If you reach out to us we can help put you in touch with a professional who can help with what you’re going through.
Engage in Creative Outlets
Art, music, or other creative activities can be a cathartic way to express your feelings. Creative expression can help you process your emotions and gain a sense of closure.
Give Yourself Time
Healing from an abortion is a process that takes time. Be patient with yourself and allow yourself to heal at your own pace. It’s important to give yourself permission to feel your emotions and take the time you need to heal fully.
Remember, it’s okay to seek help and support as you navigate your emotions. You are not alone, and there are resources available to assist you on your journey to healing.
