Many women considering abortion consider the physical side effects of the procedure but overlook the mental effects. After an abortion, some women are relieved, but others struggle with guilt, shame, loss, anger, and grief that can lead to mental health conditions.
Learn about the mental health complications of abortion so you can prioritize your mental health.
Post-Abortion Stress Syndrome
After experiencing an abortion, women are at a higher risk for developing mental health struggles, including developing mental health disorders like:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Substance use disorder
- Eating disorders
- Suicidal behavior
Mental health professionals refer to the struggles some women experience after experiencing an abortion as post-abortion stress syndrome (PASS).
Risk Factors for PASS
Following an abortion, pregnancy-related hormones rapidly decline. This hormonal shift can contribute to an emotional or psychological response in some women.
While no one can predict how a woman will respond mentally to an abortion, there are risk factors for PASS that can make it more likely for women to suffer from the condition. Women at higher risk may:
- Feel pressured by others or their circumstances to abort
- Have cultural or religious beliefs that conflict with abortion
- Have a history of mental health struggles
- Want to be a mother now or in the future
- Lack of a support system for emotional recovery from abortion
How Can a My Choice Consultation Help?
My Future Approved offers free My Choice Consultations. Meet with a caring team member to learn about your options, including abortion. Arm yourself with information, so you can feel confident about your decision and plan to prioritize your physical and mental health regardless of your decision.
Contact us today to schedule your free appointment. Additional services offered for free at My Future Approved include pregnancy testing, ultrasound, and STI Testing.
