It’s summer! …which means college students everywhere are looking for some much-needed rest and relaxation. Maybe you’re one of them. This season is most likely one that you’ve been looking forward to for a while. It probably feels like a relief to step away from your studies and bask in the warm, sunny weather. Perhaps you’ve genuinely enjoyed reconnecting with your family and visiting some of your old haunts in recent weeks. But what if this particular experience of returning home has felt different? What if you had an abortion this past semester, and it seems to be casting a shadow over your summer break?
Not everyone who chooses abortion reports symptoms of post-abortion stress, like grief, guilt, or emotional numbness. But many individuals do experience this, including women who felt confident at the time of their decision that abortion was their best option. Maybe you’ve been feeling emotionally off since you ended your pregnancy. Maybe you thought coming home for the summer would help resolve some of your lingering doubts, but that hasn’t necessarily been the case. It’s even possible that changing your environment has added new complexities to your situation. Your family may or may not know about the abortion. If they’re aware, and they haven’t responded in the way that you’d hoped, you likely have some complex feelings to work through around this. If they don’t know, you may feel isolated in your circumstances. You may be wrestling with the decision of whether or not to tell them.
If you’re struggling in any of these ways, consider reaching out to Restore. We’re a post-abortion support program that’s been helping women and men discover emotional healing and navigate the road ahead for over 20 years. Our program works by connecting individuals with a one-on-one leader or a support group to process their experiences. Our highly-trained team is here to listen and help you shift your perspective. Support through Restore is free, and available both in-person and virtually!
Reach out to schedule a consultation! You’ll be met with authenticity and compassion, never judgment.