After Abortion » Depression

Post Abortion Syndrome (PAS) is the development of syndromes resulting from unsuccessful grieving methods following the physical and emotional trauma of abortion. PAS may be instant or can be hidden for years- but most assuredly not forever.  For many, the abortion may have occurred years ago, yet the affects have lingered in subtle or even overt ways.

PAS not only affects women but men as well. For every abortion, there is a father who is also affected.

Acknowledging how you feel about the abortion and being allowed to grieve will help you come to peace with yourself and others. 

Some questions to ask yourself:

• Am I having trouble sleeping?
• Do I often feel angry and irritable?
• Do I have dreams or flashbacks about the abortion?
• Do I avoid places, people and things that remind me of the abortion?
• Do I feel guilt and/or shame about the abortion?
• Have I cried over the abortion?
• Do I feel sad and depressed often?
• Do I regret having the abortion?
• Since the abortion, have I lost interest in things I used to love?
• Is concentrating often difficult?
  
  

The Miami Valley Women’s Center seeks to offer hope, healing and reconciliation to God and others, giving men and women strength. Our "Tender Mercies Support Group" is a free service for anyone affected by an abortion(s). Men and women are encouraged to learn new ways to respond to the negative emotions following an abortion. The main focus is to deal with the past so that it can no longer affect the present and future in negative ways. The goal is to be able to move on with life in a healthy way.


You are NOT alone...

• 1 out of 4 American women has had at least one abortion.
  
• There are over 4,400 abortions performed per day in the U.S. which is 1 abortion every 20 seconds.
  
• 43% of all women in the U.S. will have had an abortion by the age of 45.*
  
• Studies show that at least 70% of women who have had an abortion believe abortion is morally wrong.**
  
• No less than 90% of women experience moderate to severe emotional and psychiatric stress following an abortion.***
  

*(Allan Suttmacher Institute, Feb. 2000)
**Making Abortion Rare, David Reardon

***Aborted Women: Silent No More, David Reardon

For more statistics and research go to: www.afterabortion.org

You can email us at wecare@mvwc.org .Your e-mail will come directly to the Post-abortion office where one who has been there will respond to your need.  We are here to help you.