Question:
I had an abortion in my junior year of college. I've struggled with depression off and on, and lately it's been pretty tough. Is there a way to determine if my depression is related to the abortion?
Answer:
Certainly there is. Women who struggle with post-abortion stress often display some of the following:
- They feel uncomfortable around babies or pregnant women.
- Anxiety builds when they thing about telling a loved one about the abortion
- If the woman chooses to share the experience with others; she may feel overwhelmed with anger, grief or guilt.
- Important relationships may become less intimate since the abortion.
- Some women become emotional discussing abortion as a political issue regardless of whether they are supporting or are in opposition to it.
- They often look at life in terms of "before" and "after" the abortion.
- A woman may look at herself differently.
- She may have lost interest in her appearance in order to avoid involvement in another intimate relationship.
- She may experience nightmares, flashbacks or hallucinations, such as hearing a baby cry.
- There may be an increase or onset of the use of alcohol, drugs, eating disorders, suicidal thoughts and risk taking.
- Sexual promiscuity may have markedly increased or there may be a loss of desire for sexual intercourse.
- The desire to have children may have changed: either an anxious desire to have one ASAP, or loss of a former desire to have them.
- Around the anniversary date of either the abortion or the due date of the aborted pregnancy: depression, anxiety or cramping may occur.
- A woman's faith in God may have changed. She may feel distant, unloved, fearful or angry with God.
It is important to remember that all people have sinned, but God loves us and wants to cleanse us of all unrighteousness, and has a wonderful plan for our lives. If you have identified with three or more of these symptoms, counseling may help. Our skilled and understanding professionals are here to help you.
Answered by: Dr. Robert Rice
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