It’s impossible to predict how a woman will respond mentally to experiencing an abortion. While some women may feel relief and move on with their lives, others may struggle with overwhelming feelings of guilt, shame, loss, and sadness. The mental health effects of abortion can occur immediately after an abortion or may surface months or even years after.
Understanding the mental health effects that some women experience after abortion can help you weigh the procedure’s risks to determine which choice is best for you.
Post-Abortion Stress Syndrome (PASS)
PASS is a term that mental health professionals use to describe the mental health effects that abortion can have on some women. Following an abortion, some women experience struggles that can trigger mental health disorders like:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Eating disorders
- Substance use disorder
- Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
Increased Risk
While anyone can experience PASS, some women are more likely to develop the condition. Examples of those that are at an increased risk of developing mental health struggles following an abortion are women:
- Who feel like they have no other choice or are pressured to terminate
- With a history of mental health struggles
- With beliefs that contradict abortion
- With a desire for motherhood
- Who have experienced a previous abortion
- Who lack a support system
Get More Information
Abortion is a serious decision with many physical and mental considerations. This choice should not be made lightly. Before you decide to terminate your pregnancy, take the time to understand the physical and mental health risks—call (337)232-5509 to find the information you need to make a confident decision.
If you have already experienced an abortion and are now struggling with your mental health, you deserve to find hope and healing. Make a free appointment to learn how we can support your well-being.
