Can You Have PTSD After Abortion?

What is PTSD?  As per the American Psychiatric Association, Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric disorder that may occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event, series of events or set of circumstances. An individual may experience this as emotionally or physically harmful or life threatening and may affect mental, physical, social, and/or spiritual well-being. Examples include natural disasters, serious accidents, terrorist acts, war/combat, rape/sexual assault, historical trauma, intimate partner violence and bullying.  People with PTSD have intense, disturbing thoughts and feelings related to their experience that last long after the traumatic event has ended. They may relive the event through flashbacks or nightmares; they may feel sadness, fear or anger; and they may feel detached or estranged from other people. People with PTSD may avoid situations or people that remind them of the traumatic event, and they may have strong negative reactions to something as ordinary as a loud noise or an accidental touch.

Abortion may also be traumatic for some individuals.  As per Vida Medical Clinic: Abortion

What is PTSD? As per the American Psychiatric Association, Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric disorder that may occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event, series of events or set of circumstances. An individual may experience this as emotionally or physically harmful or life threatening and it may affect mental, physical, social, and/or spiritual well-being. Examples include natural disasters, serious accidents, terrorist acts, war/combat, rape/sexual assault, historical trauma, intimate partner violence and bullying.

People experiencing PTSD may have intense or disturbing thoughts and feelings related to an experience that continue after the event has ended. They may experience flashbacks or nightmares, feelings such as sadness, fear or anger, or feel detached from other people. They may also avoid situations or people that remind them of the experience.

Every person’s experience after an abortion is different. Some people may experience a range of emotions afterward, while others may not. If you are having persistent emotional distress or concerns about your mental health, consider speaking with a qualified mental health professional who can listen and help you determine what support may be appropriate.

If you have recently had an abortion, there are a variety of physical and emotional experiences you may encounter afterward.

Hormones: Your body may experience hormonal changes as it returns to a non-pregnant state. If you are experiencing emotional changes or have concerns about how you are feeling, consider speaking with a healthcare professional.

Follow-Up: Follow the aftercare instructions provided by your healthcare professional and seek follow-up medical care if recommended or if you have concerns about your recovery.

Relief: Some people may experience feelings of relief after an abortion, while others may experience different or changing emotions. Every woman’s experience is different, and there is no single way you are expected to feel.

Anger: Some individuals may experience anger after an abortion, particularly when they felt pressured or unsupported during their decision. Experiencing anger alone does not mean that someone has PTSD. If these feelings are persistent or difficult to manage, a qualified mental health professional can provide support.

Grief: Some people may experience feelings of grief or loss after an abortion. Others may not. Give yourself space to process your emotions in the way that feels appropriate for you.

Changes in Feelings About Pregnancy: An abortion experience may affect how some individuals think or feel about a future pregnancy. If you are experiencing difficult or confusing emotions, talking with a trusted support person or mental health professional may be helpful.

Emotional Triggers: Conversations, media, or other reminders related to abortion may bring up difficult emotions for some individuals. If you experience ongoing anxiety, anger, sadness, or distress, consider reaching out for professional support.

Every woman’s experience is different. Our social workers are here to listen.

If you or someone you know is looking for support after an abortion experience, please contact Soundview Pregnancy Services. Our trained reproductive grief coaches are available to provide a listening ear and support during this time. 1-888-709-3227.