When it comes to wellness, your mental well-being is just as crucial as your physical condition. Mental health significantly influences stress levels, mood, and behavior.

If you’re unexpectedly pregnant and considering abortion, or if you’ve already experienced one, it’s important to assess your emotional health.

Keep reading to understand the role your mental health plays with abortion. If you’d prefer to talk to someone, New Life Family Outreach is here for you. We offer accurate pregnancy testing, resources, and support programs for free that you can take advantage of.

Increased Risks of mental health effects

You’ll want to be aware of factors that contribute significantly to an increased risk of adverse mental health effects. 

One of the biggest factors is if you have felt pressured into an abortion, and it’s a common experience. According to the Journal of American Physicians and Surgeons, almost 75% of women who had an abortion felt at least subtly pressured into making the decision. Many reported suffering psychological effects afterward.

Other pre-existing issues that can contribute to an increased risk include:

• Having a history of mental health disorders 
• Lacking a support system to help you recover emotionally from the abortion
• A desire to have children now or in the future

What Impact Will It Have?

When women have a negative abortion experience, they may experience emotional shifts that range from mild to severe. These can include:

• Anxiety
• Grief
• Feelings of loss
• Sadness
• Depression

A study found that two years after an abortion, participants had higher rates of depression and negative reactions and lower rates of positive reactions, relief, and satisfaction compared to their assessments one month after the abortion. 

This means mental health issues could take days, weeks, or even years before they show up. 

Protect Your Health

At New Life Family Outreach, our Grace Program offers a path to healing with a trained coordinator. It includes a 10-week small group for sharing stories and finding emotional peace or one-on-one sessions for personalized support. 

For those with an unexpected pregnancy, we can offer free pregnancy testing, education, and support as you consider your options moving forward.

Contact us to make a confidential appointment today.