What is Post-Abortion Stress?

Post-abortion stress is the inability to process the stress and emotions accompanying one's abortion decision and experience. This may be an immediate or delayed reaction that can surface anytime in a person's life. When it does resurface, it can be confusing, painful and overwhelming.

Women who felt pressured into having an abortion, or uncertain or uninformed about their alternatives, may be at risk for developing post-abortion stress.

Look over the following list and see if any of the issues apply to you.

Ask yourself, "Am I…"

• Reliving or frequently thinking about the abortion
• Feeling guilt, regret
• Depressed
• Experiencing anxiety or tension
• Emotionally numb
• Experiencing sleeplessness, nightmares or flashbacks
• Fearful of others finding out about my abortion
• Unable to forgive myself or others involved in the abortion
• Avoiding intimate relationships
• Preoccupied with becoming pregnant again
• Developing eating disorders or a dependence on drugs or alcohol
• Angry at those responsible for my pregnancy or abortion
• Anxious over fertility and childbearing issues
• Especially sad on the anniversary of the baby's due date or date of the abortion
• Engaging in unhealthy relationships
• Having difficulty bonding with children
• Experiencing intense grief or sadness
• Fearful of God's punishment
• Having suicidal thoughts or impulses

If you've answered yes to one or more of these questions, Whole Heart can help you heal. We encourage you to call us today. There is help, there is hope, there is healing.