What Are the Mental Health Effects of Abortion?

March 28, 2023

Unexpected pregnancies can be terrifying for some women. There are many unknowns, and deciding what to do can be a frightening experience. There are three options for women facing an unplanned pregnancy; adoption, parenting, and abortion.

While abortion may seem straightforward, every woman should know the possible effects before deciding to have one. These include mental health effects that can negatively impact a woman’s physical and emotional health. 

What Might I Experience?

Sometimes, women feel relief after an abortion. Some women may experience things such as anxiety following an abortion, and this could impact their overall mental health. 

Some women may feel the following emotions after an abortion:

• Loss 
• Grief
• Anxiety
• Sadness 
• Depression

If you’re experiencing these emotions and find they affect your daily life, consider speaking with a psychiatrist mental health provider, or call Heart to heart and schedule for our post abortion healing class. You deserve the care and healing you need to find peace.

Will I Experience Depression?

Sometimes, women experience a mental illness called depression after an abortion. Depression is more common than you realize, affecting many people yearly. Some people with depression struggle to complete daily tasks and feel overwhelmed by sadness and grief. 

The following are symptoms of depression:

• Loss of interest or pleasure in doing activities
• Feelings of sadness, emptiness, etc. 
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
• Tiredness and lack of energy
• Anxiety, restlessness
• Trouble thinking, remembering things, or making decisions
• Thoughts of death or suicide 

Having depression can play a significant negative role in your life. You deserve to put yourself on a path toward feeling better. Spending time with friends, speaking with a therapist, and eating well are all excellent ways to care for yourself.

I Want to Talk to Someone About These Mental Health Effects.

If you’d like to talk with someone about the possible mental health effects of abortion, or if you’d like more information about your pregnancy options, reach out to Heart to Heart Pregnancy Resource Clinic. We also offer post-abortion counseling for those who need emotional support..

We are happy to listen and help answer your questions in a warm, loving environment.