It is said that 1 in 3 women will have an abortion at some time in their life. I'm not sure how accurate the statistic is but, I know that I personally know quite a few women who have. While not all women experience negative effects, there are lots of women who suffer in silence.
My Story
I was a naive, scared 20 year old who was worried about what would happen if my parents found out and feeling pressured by my boyfriend to "get rid of it because we had no money". It did not even cross my mind that there could be serious consequences.
I thought it was going to be a sigh of relief and back to business as usual. I never bargained for the deep depression, sadness, years of guilt, and isolation. Not even a little bit.
It was not until years later that I realized just how much my abortion had affected my life. I was literally unraveling. I was so angry, my relationship was a disaster, and I was obsessed with having a baby. I felt like I was constantly fighting an internal battle and it was quickly getting the upperhand.
It took numerous therapist visits, prayers, support group visits, sleepless nights, journal and blog entries but, I finally begun to find healing. Fifteen years later, I still have days where it's hard but, I have come a LONG way and I have learned to embrace this journey rather than relish in the sadness and thinking of what could have been.
If you have had an abortion and are experiencing any of the following there is hope. Please seek help.
- Relationship issues
- Depression
- Isolation
- Trouble sleeping- nightmares, insomnia
- Anxiety
- Guilt
There is a purpose for your pain and there is a beautiful life waiting for you despite your past. I'm living proof!
Resources that can help:
Abortion Recovery Network
National toll-free hotline at 1-866-4-MY-RECOVERY (1-866-469-7326)
Option Line
1-800-712-HELP (4357)
www.optionline.org
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