In 2010, Psychology Today published an article called “Post Abortion Stress Syndrome (PASS) – Does It Exist?” The author, Dr. Susanne Babbel, states “Any event that causes trauma can indeed result in PTSD, and abortion is no exception.”*
Restore helps those for whom the lingering effects of abortion continue to cause pain. Restore provides free confidential post-abortion care and support services to all individuals after abortion experiences. Restore After Abortion serves women and men in the Chicagoland area. Please call today for a free, confidential consultation.
The following symptoms can occur with PTSD :
- Guilt
- Anxiety
- Emotional numbness
- Feeling isolated or wishing to isolate yourself
- Depression
- Sleeping problems
- Flashbacks
- Suicidal thoughts
If your symptoms seem to be related to the abortion experience—for instance sleeping problems or flashbacks that intensify around significant anniversaries, anxiety about pregnancy and babies—you may be experiencing Post Abortion Stress Syndrome. If it’s something that you feel, it’s real for you. We would like to assist you.
Dr. Susanne Babbel clarifies: “Post Abortion Stress Syndrome (PASS) is the name that has been given to the psychological aftereffects of abortion, based on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). It is important to note that this is not a term that has been accepted by the American Psychiatric Association or the American Psychological Association…A woman can be of sound and solid mind when she makes a choice to terminate a pregnancy, but it is never an easy decision.”*
Another source notes this about post abortion stress syndrome: “PASS may occur within a few hours following an abortion, or it may not surface until many years later! Women may be afraid to talk about it… and may not even realize that it is affecting them.”**
The most important question is this: “Do you feel that you may be suffering from post abortion stress syndrome?” Whether or not it has universal recognition, what matters is that if it is affecting you, there is help for you. If you believe post abortion stress syndrome may be a reality you are experiencing, please contact us at Restore and allow us to serve and help you through a difficult time. We are here for you.