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 postabortion
stress often display some of the following:
1. They feel uncomfortable around babies or
pregnant women.
2. Anxiety builds when they thing about telling a
loved one about the abortion
3. I f the woman chooses to share the experience
with others; she may feel overwhelmed with
anger, grief or guilt.
4. Important relationships may become less intimate
since the abortion.
5. Some women become emotional discussing
abortion as a political issue regardless of whether
they are supporting or are in opposition to it.
6. They often look at life in terms of "before" and
"after" the abortion.
7. A woman may look at herself differently.
8. She may have lost interest in her appearance in
order to avoid involvement in another intimate
relationship.
9. She may experience nightmares, flashbacks or
hallucinations, such as hearing a baby cry.
10. There may be an increase or onset of the use of
alcohol, drugs, eating disorders, suicidal thoughts
and risk taking.
11. Sexual promiscuity may have markedly increased
or there may be a loss of desire for sexual
intercourse.
12. 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.
13. Around the anniversary date of either the abortion
or the due date of the aborted pregnancy:
depression, anxiety or cramping may occur.
14. 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.
I f 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