If you’re considering abortion, you may wonder what the mental health effects are. According to Mayo Clinic, women can experience a mix of emotions after an abortion, such as relief, loss, sadness, or guilt.
While every woman will react differently to an abortion experience, some studies have found a tie between abortion and an increased risk of negative mental health impacts. Keep reading to learn about the research.
If you have already had an abortion and are experiencing mental health effects such as deep sadness and guilt, healing is possible. We’re here to help.
What Is Mental Health?
You may hear the term “mental health” used often and wonder what it means beyond how you feel.
According to the World Health Organization, “Mental health is a state of well-being in which an individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.”
Mental health isn’t simply feeling happy or sad; it also accounts for how you function and handle the stresses of daily life. So, how can abortion impact this?
The Mental Health Effects of Abortion
Though mental health impacts after abortion will vary, Cambridge University Press conducted a widespread review of twenty-two studies. These studies examined the responses of 877,181 participants, with 163,831 of them experiencing an abortion.
They concluded that women who experience an abortion have an 81% increased risk of mental health problems. Some of these mental health impacts included anxiety, depression, substance use, and even suicidal behaviors.
Nearly 10% of the incidence of mental health problems could be directly attributed to abortion.
Non-Judgmental Support
If you had an abortion and need help recovering emotionally and mentally after an abortion, help is available.
We offer support and care for women struggling after abortion. There are individual or group options depending on what works best for you. We can also help you find support outside your local area for increased confidentiality.
Your privacy is important to us. And as always, our services are at no cost to you and private. We are here because we care about your health and well-being.
Contact us today to learn more about our post-abortion support. We can also help you better understand abortion and all your options.