Depression after abortion should not be ignored! 5 tips to cope with it

Abortion is a tough choice as it is, and it can lead to mental health problems if left ignored! Here's how you can deal with it.
Depression signs
Know how to identify signs of depression. Image Courtesy: Shutterstock
Dr Surabhi Siddhartha Published: 11 Nov 2022, 08:00 pm IST
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It is a no-brainer that abortion can take a toll on one’s overall well-being. It cannot only impact a woman’s physical health but even her mental health. Abortion is a procedure of terminating a pregnancy by removing the fetus/embryo. Women who opt for abortion can experience severe health problems. Not only this, abortion can take a toll on one’s mental health.

Women who undergo abortions can feel stressed, anxious, depressed, angry, violent, lonely, and may have poor self-esteem. They may feel shameful, embarrassed, irritated, frustrated, or have poor self-esteem. Did you know that abortion may also trigger insomnia or other sleep disorders, eating disorders, or suicidal thoughts? Women will encounter emotional distress. They will often be anxious and can panic all the time. Abortion can induce feelings of guilt as well.

Here’s why you may feel stressed, low, or depressed after abortion. Try to seek timely intervention and care. Read on to know more about this, and take utmost care of yourself.

Tips to deal with an abortion

This is how one can deal with feeling depressed after abortion:

1. Speak to your loved ones

It will be imperative for you to open up to a friend, family member, co-worker, or anyone else who can help you get rid of any negative feelings. It is better to confide in a friend or a family member who can help you to relieve the stress.

depression after abortion
How to cope with depression after abortion? Image Courtesy: Shutterstock

2. Do not isolate yourself from others

Isolating yourself can worsen your condition and you may end up blaming yourself! Avoid withdrawing from your family or friends. Try to stay connected with your loved ones and do not spend too much time alone.

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3. Opt for counselling if need be

It is always a good idea to turn to professional help when other ways don’t work for you. This will help you overcome those negative feelings and feel at ease. A professional will help you to stay calm and composed and improve your quality of life.

4. Don’t allow people to pressure you

At such a point in your life, you might feel pressured by anything and everything people say. It is best to avoid getting pressured by your friends, family, or partner to choose one way or the other. Remember that abortion is ultimately your choice and yours alone. So, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise!

depression after abortion
Ways to deal with depression with abortion. Image Courtesy: Shutterstock

5. Take utmost care of yourself

If you have decided to go for an abortion, then just follow a good diet and exercise regime. Don’t forget to rest, and try to stay stress-free. Being anxious or depressed can take a toll on your overall health, so talk to someone about it. If you have taken the decision then be firm on it.

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About the Author

Dr Surabhi Siddhartha is a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at Motherhood Hospital in Kharghar, Mumbai. For the past fifteen years, she has been delivering specialist Obs-Gyn care as a leading gynaecologist in Kharghar and Navi Mumbai. Dr Surabhi's areas of expertise and interest include high-risk pregnancies like hypothyroid pregnancy, diabetes in pregnancy, twin pregnancy, ovarian cyst with pregnancy, fibroid in pregnancy, and other surgeries like hysterectomy, cystectomy, fibroid removal, and adolescent health care. Her super specialized surgical skills in women's healthcare also involve Cosmetic Gynecology (vaginoplasty, hymenoplasty, surgical and non-surgical vaginal tightening), Urogynecology (SUI treatment, Prolapse), ART & Infertility treatment, Minimal Invasive Gynaecology surgery treatments (Laproscopy) Dr Surabhi Siddhartha completed her MBBS from Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College Government College, Bhagalpur and obtained her DGO from College of Physician and Surgeons, Mumbai. ...Read More

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