Many women experience trauma after an abortion. Some of these manifestations may include:
- Guilt
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Despair
- Feelings of helplessness
- Suicidal thoughts
- Low self-esteem
- Self-destructive behavior
- Drug and alcohol abuse
- Nightmares and sleep anxieties
- Anniversary reactions
- Anger at others involved
- Anger at God and Church
- Sexual problems
- Flashbacks
- Broken relationships
- Intense interest in babies
- No joy in another’s pregnancy
These are common reactions for those who have had abortions. But you may think that no one else who has had an abortion feels this way. You are not alone.
You may not feel that you can talk to anyone about the way you are hurting. There are many others like you, longing to rid themselves of the pain inflicted by their abortions. Simply acknowledging this pain is the first step toward healing.