Common Trauma Reactions Immediately Following An Abortion

Abortion can cause trauma throughout a household, family, workplace...even if some members are unaware that the abortion took place. Not all people will have the same experience or reactions to trauma. Some people do well by talking to family members or friends and remembering to take care of themselves. Others may not be able to focus on what they need or may not know how to get their needs met. Following is information that may be helpful for you or that you can share with others who have experienced abortion related trauma.  Since teens/children often react differently than adults, we have included notes where applicable.

 

People may Experience:

§     Anger

§         Guilt

§         Fatigue

§         Depression (mood swings, weeping, headaches)

§         Helplessness

§         Hopelessness

§         Fear

§         Disorientation

§         Interruptions in sleeping patterns  (trouble falling asleep, inability to sleep, sleeping too much, interrupted sleep,    nightmares)

§         Changes in eating habits

§      Impulsiveness in teens  (stealing, hitting, biting, fighting with others)

§         Regression in younger children (thumb sucking, bed-wetting, stuttering, baby talk)

§         Re-enactment in teens and school-aged children (acting out, writing about or drawing "scenes" of abortion if they know, etc.)

§         Avoiding Behaviors (withdrawing from normal activities, avoiding others, avoiding people involved in the abortion)

 

Things that help people:

§         Feeling safe

§     Support System (i.e., family, friends, co-workers)

§         Routine

§         Encouragement

§         Activity

§         Exercise

§         Focus on positive

§         Have teens/children take time to "play"

 

Ways to meet these needs:

§      Talking to others about feelings and the experience itself.  Without judgement or pressure, talk to:

·        family members and friends

·        co-workers and associates

·        abortion recovery specialists

·        counselors (professional, lay)

·        spiritual or religious leaders

§         Planning daily routine

§         At least one hot meal a day

§         Reduce caffeine and sugar intake

§         Limit alcohol consumption

§         Drink plenty of fluids

§         Nap for short periods during the day

§         At least 7-8 hours of sleep a night

 

 

 

 

 

Adapted from: 

Family Assistance Foundation http://www.fafonline.org
&
Association of Traumatic Stress Specialists www.ATSS.info