Most women thinking about abortion consider the physical risks, but very few consider the risks abortion poses to their mental health. Many women experience struggles with their mental health following an abortion.
Post-Abortion Stress Syndrome
Post-Abortion Stress Syndrome (PASS) is a term that some mental health professionals use to label the psychological response some women have after an abortion. PASS can affect a woman immediately following an abortion, or it can remain repressed for months or even years before surfacing.
If you have received an abortion and are struggling with your mental health, you are not alone. Sometimes abortion supporters ignore the facts and claim that abortion does not affect women’s mental health. It can feel isolating to experience something that others refuse exists, but research shows that following an abortion, women are more likely to experience mental health struggles like:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Eating disorder
- Substance use disorder
- Suicidal thoughts or actions
Risk Factors for PASS
Some women are at a greater risk of developing PASS.
- Women that have a history of mental health struggles
- Women from religious or social groups that have negative views of abortion
- Women that feel pressured to abort
- Women that want children in the future
Talk About It
If you think you might be experiencing PASS, don’t keep it to yourself. Talking with someone you trust can be helpful. It would be best to consider meeting with a professional counselor to discuss your symptoms.
How Can PHC Help?
If you are having difficulty recovering mentally from an abortion, let us help. Get the support you need from a licensed professional counselor at the Pregnancy Help Center.
If you are still considering options for your pregnancy, let the Pregnancy Help Center provide you with information about all your options, including abortion.
Contact us today to schedule your free and confidential appointment.