Anyone can experience post-abortion stress, whether or not their pregnancy ended recently. Maybe you’re in your 60s, 70s, 80s, or beyond, and you’re struggling to come to terms with an abortion (or abortions) in your past. If so, know that you’re not alone. More people experience these effects in your stage of life than you probably realize.
Post-abortion stress is a pain point that can linger for years or crop up unexpectedly. It can come in the form of sorrow, grief, anger, regret, or a host of other symptoms. Some individuals don’t become fully aware of these emotions until they’re prompted decades later by new experiences (for example, family members becoming pregnant or having abortions). Triggers like these can cause people to ask difficult questions such as, “What would my life look like now if I’d handled that unexpected pregnancy differently?”
Maybe you feel like you “should have” moved on by now. Perhaps you’re frustrated with yourself for continuing to deal with difficult, unresolved feelings surrounding the abortion. There’s never any shame in facing post-abortion stress years later. This is simply an indication that it’s time to find an alternative way of coping with this part of your past. A better approach will involve shifting your focus from negative self-talk to acceptance. You have the feelings that you have, and trying to suppress them won’t make them go away. There’s a healthier way to deal with them.
Once you’ve accepted your emotions, you’ll be in a good place to pursue healing. That’s where Restore After Abortion comes in! We’re a no-cost program that’s been helping people seek hope and healing after painful abortion experiences for over 20 years. We work with women and men who’ve just terminated a pregnancy, as well as individuals who are coping with post-abortion stress decades later. Restore offers opportunities to process you experiences alongside a caring and highly-trained leader, either one-on-one or within a support group setting (your choice). Sessions can be provided virtually.
Check out our website and schedule an appointment today! Your road to healing starts now.