Now that you are free from your pregnancy after a medical abortion, you may be feeling several things together at a time. And that is normal too. There is always a stigma about pregnancy termination because of societal expectations, peer pressure, and other opinions, which may somehow impact the mind of a person who underwent the procedure. However, taking care of yourself is the priority following a pregnancy-ending phase, and it is okay to give room for your feelings to occur as they are.
The key to emotional well-being thereby is finding ways to tackle all that you are keeping bottled inside by knowing the options of dealing with mental healthcare post a medication abortion. In this blog, we will run you through a detailed discussion on possible emotions you may experience from an abortion and how to cope with them positively to get back to your regular life.
Finding Mental Health Support for Abortion-Related Feelings
Whether you went through a medical abortion or a surgical pregnancy termination, feelings regarding the decision may vary from person to person. For instance, if an individual was not sure of ending a pregnancy and did so because of an unusual situation, or because of something they did not want actually to take place, it can cause discomfort, guilt, anger, anxiety, and several other negative feelings. Similarly, a woman who has been sure about her decision and is looking forward to eliminating the pregnancy may encounter feelings of relief, and happiness, and feel at peace.
If you feel the emotions are extreme and disruptive to your daily life, seeking mental health support is a practical thing to do. There are many ways you can access this:
1. Mental Health Counselors: You can approach a professional for assistance and discuss your feelings, talking about what prompted you to end the pregnancy and the surrounding circumstances. A heartfelt conversation can heal you psychologically, paving the way for your emotional well-being and positive outlook for the future. A professional can also suggest additional healthcare support required, if any, and help you reach out to other medical providers.
2. Family Planning Health Centers: Find a nearby family planning care center or access one on the internet by scheduling an appointment. These centers have departments dedicated to pregnancy care, and mental health support, addressing a range of topics related to pre and post-pregnancy or abortion feelings, self-care tips, vision for future pregnancy, fertility, and more. It is a good place to share your thoughts regarding your abortion procedure and vent out your feelings, giving you much-needed relief.
3. Your Healthcare Provider: If you obtained abortion pills from a trusted source, like a pharmacy on the internet or in your locality, you may ask them for help with your feelings after a medical abortion process. Most of these pharmacies will have customer care professionals who are equipped to deal with such instances. They will hear you out and be there to support you emotionally in every way. Some even have 24/7 availability to sort these matters.
4. Online Communities: One of the easiest ways to find mental health support regarding abortion is by looking for internet forums and communities that are pro-choice and in favor of complete women’s healthcare. You will find several talking about emotional well-being concerning their pregnancy, with stories and experiences worse than yours, yet with a strong will and mind to get out of any psychological disturbances caused. This can strengthen your mind and give you the boost to heal and take care of yourself better.
5. Sharing Your Story with Others: If you do not want to talk to anyone like family, friends, or healthcare professionals, there is another option of sharing your story on the web or social media places. Talk about your abortion experience and surely you will find engaging responses and even leads for whom to speak to for further aid and mental health support hotline numbers. This will keep your privacy as well, as you can anonymously post your story.
6. Abortion Support Groups: Lastly, and the most obvious way to deal with medical abortion feelings is to find an abortion support group that provides healthcare services for women who underwent pregnancy termination through pills or any other way. They will not only assist in coping with your psychological health, but educate you regarding safe abortion methods, and how to deal with the procedure symptoms, even guiding you about how to get assistance for future pregnancy terminations, if necessary.
Steps for Emotional Healing and Self-Care
With the right care and emotional well-being guidance, you can quickly recover from any mental health consequences related to a medical abortion process. It is time to care for your physical health as well and heal internally by body and mind. Thus, following some self-care techniques are important for overall recovery, and getting your life back on track. So, here are a few tips to share, which if followed can draw you out of your sordid situation:
1. Keep a notice on bleeding after abortion. Use large maxi pads until the bleeding is heavy. The bleeding may get moderate to light as time passes, and last for 2 to 3 weeks. Avoid vaginal penetration, including intercourse, in this duration, along with tampons, and menstrual cups.
2. Do not start with hormonal birth control right away. If you are sexually active, use a barrier condom. However, it is best to wait until 2 to 3 months if you are planning for another pregnancy after a medical abortion.
3. Stop demeaning yourself and talking to yourself in mind, reprimanding about the decision for an abortion. The journey is about the present and future, and you can only recover emotionally if you look for the bright side of your life now, and later.
4. Have a nutritious diet not just for the first week after abortion. Continue the practice till you feel healthier and completely recovered from the procedure, avoiding any risky foods.
5. Watch out for any unusual signs and symptoms and seek medical attention immediately, if any problems. Staying fit physically and mentally is equally important following a pregnancy-ending process.
6. Lastly, do not stop yourself from expressing your opinion about your abortion right away, or even after time has passed. It will help you heal from negative feelings, doubts, or stress regarding the abortion and make peace in the long term.
Conclusion
Abortion is a tough choice for some, and easy for others. Either way, coping with mixed feelings is one of the expected circumstances. You can find necessary mental health support for your emotional well-being after a medical abortion by following the above-mentioned methods and taking care of yourself for a happier life and future.