Post-abortion Depression

Note: The Exhale Pro-Voice After-Abortion Stories Hub includes people’s stories of their experiences and emotions, exactly as they have written them in. We do not edit these stories at all, and the content that follows this message is exactly as we received it. We know that people’s experiences are complex, and these stories reflect the many emotions they may be feeling after their abortions. From relief to grief, and everything in between, and all at the same time, we’re here for you.

Submitted by: Anon

I had an abortion in December 2020, it is now almost 10 months since, and I am still feeling extremely sad about it. It affects my relationship with my boyfriend and my friends as I am more distant.

I feel like something is missing. I never knew how much of a loss this would be/feel like. Almost everyday I think about it. I have flashbacks etc. I even got a tattoo to commemorate it.

People my age have started announcing their pregnancies and it’s so hard to see. I thought I was getting better, but I saw a pregnancy announcement from someone I know and now I feel like I’m back to square one.

I find myself avoiding social media. I am so sad and even jealous when I see pregnant people.

You deserve nonjudgmental
after-abortion support.

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3 responses to “Post-abortion Depression”

  1. Lily

    I feel the same way, I just got mine done and I can’t even explain how I feel I feel so empty and I keep seeing the baby asking someone if I ever loved it when I close my eyes and I did I still do. I wish I could go back. I do.t enjoy anything anymore, and I wanna talk to my bf about it but it’s hard since he was there but it wasn’t done to him. It’s hard to even say the word.

    Reply
  2. Sydney Regan

    I feel you. I just recently had an abortion and i’m just now starting to feel the heaviness of it. I thought I was making the right decision but it feels so wrong. I feel like something is missing too. How do you even grieve something or someone you never met? I didn’t even let myself think about the baby before hand and now I feel so guilty. I miss them even though I didn’t know them. I hope we both can find peace someday….

    Reply
    1. Anonymous

      Thank you for sharing your story. Similarly I feel an intense feeling of sadness seeing individuals post their pregnancy announcements & can’t help but wonder what my life would be like had I made a different choice. I pray that we all find peace for our own sakes

      Reply

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