Guilt
Anxiety
Psychological "numbing"
Signs
of depression, such as unexplained feelings of sadness; sudden and
uncontrollable crying episodes; poor self-concept; sleep, appetite,
or sexual problems; reduced motivation; conflicts in relationships;
thoughts of suicide
Anniversary
grief (on the anniversary date of the abortion or due date of the
aborted child)
Flashbacks
of the abortion
Preoccupation
with becoming pregnant again
Anxiety
over fertility and childbearing issues
Interruption
of the bonding process with other children
Survival
guilt
Eating
disorders
Alcohol
and drug abuse
Other
self-punishing or self-degrading behaviors
Brief
reactive psychosis
Is
there hope and healing after an abortion?
Yes!
ChoiceOne
offers women a place to go to find healing from the emotional results
of an abortion. It provides a place that women can explore their
emotions and reconnect with their soul. There is healing, at
ChoiceOne we believe it begins with God. First know that you are
loved by God then accept it! Our post-abortion group will help
you explore and find answers to those haunting feelings. We'll
be with you throughout your entire journey...when
you need more than a friend...ChoiceOne.
How
do men suffer from PAS?
Men
who have fathered children who were aborted commonly experience
Post-Abortion Stress. Through the process of denial, some men block
the natural process of grieving and dealing with the death of their
unborn children. They may deny their responsibility for the abortion,
and in so doing block the natural recovery process that must take
place before healing can occur.
Why do men need help?
It is always healthy for men who have been affected by an abortion
to grieve the loss of their children and to find closure and healing
from the wounds - wounds that are frequently unidentified as related
to the abortion. It is possible for men to be released from the
harmful consequences of a past abortion and to experience peace.
They can leave behind the old, crippling habits of abandoning and
disappointing others. They can stand in the fullness of their true
God-given identities by blessing spouses, children and others who
need their love.
What are some symptoms of PAS seen in
men?
Some men experience instability in relationships with women,
inability to bond with children, sleeplessness and nightmares. There
are often avoidance behaviors or addictions and sexual dysfunction.
A lack of confidence, depression or fear of failure or rejection is
often noted. Some men cope with uncontrollable rage or loneliness
and numbness.
Self-Assessment
- Read through this self-assessment to
see if you have symptoms of post-abortion trauma. If the list reflects
problems you’ve experienced since your abortion, and you feel stuck,
you may need help recovering. They tell us abortion is a quick, painless
answer to the problem of an unplanned pregnancy. We know, from
experience and from research, that this is simply not true for everyone.
Take a moment and read about some of the issues other women dealt with
after their abortions. See if you identify with any of them:
1. Have you changed as a person since
your abortion? What were you like before your abortion? How are you
different now?
2. If your sister or best friend were thinking about having an
abortion, what would you tell her?
3. At the time of your abortion did you believe abortion was right or
wrong?
4. Check the following problems that have bothered you since your
abortion:
I struggle with eating disorders.
I find myself in abusive relationships.
I’m having increased unprotected sexual activity.
I’m using drugs and/or alcohol to distract myself from my pain.
I often feel so sad that I can’t handle my responsibilities.
I often think about hurting myself.
I keep having the same nightmare over and over.
5. Do you shut down or feel numb when you’re in a highly emotional
situation?
6. Do you experience explosive emotions?
7. Has your relationship with God changed since your abortion? If yes,
in what way?
8. Have your relationships with men changed? If yes, in what way?
9. Do you feel you must hide your abortion or your feelings about it?
10. Do you avoid people or situations that remind you of your
abortion?
11. Did someone pressure you into having the abortion? If yes, what is
your relationship like with that person now?
12. Do you feel like you’re all alone with the emotional pain you
are feeling?
13. Are you interested in a support group for women who’ve had
abortions to work through some of these problems?
1.800.497.TEST
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Philadelphia
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