Abortion is a medical procedure used to terminate pregnancy; it is a topic that generates a wide range of emotions. It is estimated that a million abortions are performed all over the world per year.
The causes vary from patient to patient. The most common methods of abortion are using pills to induce miscarriage or undergoing a surgical procedure. Coping with abortion is a very important aspect of the entire process as it involves dealing with the emotional turmoil the patient and their families are undergoing.
In this blog, we will tell you the importance of coping with an abortion and developing a deeper understanding and empathy for someone who is undergoing this devastating experience and being a part of their healing process.
Coping Strategies
SEEKING PROFESSIONAL HELP: Even when you concentrate on self-help or other coping mechanisms, you could occasionally find it difficult to handle your grief.
Seeking assistance from a mental health professional may be beneficial if your feelings are too overwhelming or if you have concerns about how you’re managing your emotions in relation to the abortion. A specialist can also help if you feel you are suffering from depression or other mental health issues, as well as hormone imbalances.
SELF-CARE: This includes prioritizing yourself while dealing with post-abortion depression or guilt, such as eating a balanced diet, exercising, or meditation. Neglecting these factors during emotionally difficult times can worsen the symptoms. Writing down your ideas and emotions in a notebook may be a very helpful way to analyze and manage your emotions. Additionally, joining recovery groups can provide a helpful setting for your healing process.
CREATIVE HEALING: Creative activities can help you regulate your emotions, such as writing down your thoughts about what you’re going through.
Art therapy is a very soothing process, as painting and drawing can help you express your emotions and help you divert your mind. Allow yourself to experience different creative approaches to find out what helps you out with the process of grief.
Dealing With Social Pressure
Don’t let others pressure you. You may feel under pressure from everyone and everything at this moment in your life. It is important to avoid giving in to peer, family-related, or marital pressure to make a decision. Never forget that you alone have the final say over your health and body.
Surround yourself with people who are understanding and empathetic towards you. This can be anyone: family, friends, or co-workers. You can also join support groups and connect with people going through the same experience; it is easy to discuss without getting any judgment in return.
You need to speak up at some point; bottling up your emotions can lead to depression. It can be any form, from sharing your own story to participating in discussions, and it can help you process your grief and help create awareness or support people going through the same process.
Overcoming the Feeling of Guilt and Regret
It is important to understand that guilt and regret are common reactions; feeling that way is normal. We should understand that it can’t always be justified.
When you’re grieving, you don’t want to be harsh with yourself. It’s critical to keep in mind that you are doing the best you can. Don’t think about “what if.” Concentrate on making plans.
Therapy is also a helpful tool; it can provide a safe zone to express yourself without being judged. A therapist can support you in finding a way to regulate your emotions in a positive way and help you seek inner peace.
It is very important you are compassionate towards yourself and forgive yourself to be free from that feeling of guilt. Treat yourself with the same empathy you would’ve offered someone in a similar situation. You need to let go in order to move on.
Moving Past Abortion
Give yourself time to heal the loss, to process your emotions, and to come to terms with what happened. Investigate your situation. You might be able to identify the underlying causes of your stress by looking at your family and personal history. You need to be patient and gentle with yourself as you go through the entire process.
Use this as an opportunity for self-reflection and growth. Prioritize your needs, take a step back, relax, and focus on activities that bring you peace and happiness.
Empower yourself by helping people in the same situation and inspiring them to move forward. You can do so by speaking out about your experience and sharing your views on how important it is to channel your energy positively and how important it is to reduce the stigma that comes with abortion.
Conclusion
Abortion may cause various emotions to arise, such as grief, denial, sadness, and sometimes depression. Everyone goes through different stages of grief; nothing can be defined as right or wrong. No matter what you feel, it is natural and completely valid. In her novel Deceptive Calm, Patricia Skipper discusses abortion through her protagonist. The author has done a remarkable job subtly introducing the subject and helping the protagonist make a difficult decision.
Remember that healing is a process. It is a transformation that doesn’t happen overnight and takes time and effort to move forward. Hormonal changes can also be a contributing factor to you feeling sad and gloomy. Having a support system can make the process much easier. Surround yourself with people with positive vibes who offer empathy and compassion towards you.
Be humble to yourself, respect your emotions, and trust that time will heal all wounds. Practice self-care, and you will surely find your way towards healing and empowerment.
