After An Abortion

Hurting from a Past Abortion?

If you are hurting from a past abortion, then you may be suffering from Post Abortion Syndrome/Stress.

What is Post-Abortion Stress (PAS)?

Post-Abortion Stress is the chronic inability to:
 
a) Process the painful thoughts and emotions about a crisis pregnancy and subsequent abortion(s) - the guilt, anger, and grief
 
b) Identify or grieve the loss that was incurred
 
c) Come to peace with herself and others
 
Are you suffering from PAS? Take our PAS test.

What factors indicate a woman may be vulnerable?

The research has pinpointed factors that may predict a negative emotional response:

• prior children religious affiliation and religious conservatism
• prior abortion(s) lack of relationship support and/or immature interpersonal relationships
• low self esteem genetic rather than elective abortion
• second trimester abortions prior unresolved traumatization
• more maternal orientation lack of support from one's family of origin
• forced or coerced abortion adolescent rather than adult status
• pre-abortion ambivalence biased pre-abortion counseling
• prior emotional problems

Symptoms of PAS.
(These are only a few common symptoms. These Symptoms will vary in degrees according to the woman - mild, moderate, strong.)

What are the characteristics of PAS?

Characteristics of post-abortion stress include uncontrolled re-experiencing of the abortion; unsuccessful attempts to put away negative memories and pain of the abortion, which reduces the sufferer's responsiveness to others; and experiencing symptoms not present before the abortion. Such symptoms may include the following:

• 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

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 doing so, 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 may experience PAS symptoms such as instability in relationships with women, inability to bond with children as well as sleeplessness and nightmares. There are often avoidance behaviors, addictions, and sexual dysfunction. A lack of confidence, depression, or fear of failure or rejection is often noted. Some men cope with uncontrollable rage, loneliness, and numbness.

POST ABORTION STRESS TEST

Feelings uncomfortable with:

Behaviors:

Add up the total of those checked:

If you have checked as many as 0-5, you may have a mild form of Post-Abortion Stress.

If you have checked as many as 6-15, you may have a moderate form of Post-Abortion Stress.

If you have checked 16 or more, you probably are suffering from severe Post-Abortion Stress.

There is help, and you are not alone. Contact us at (423) 744-3005 to talk with someone or e-mail us. We are here to help!

Full Circle Women's Services
202 Hicks Street, P.O. Box 1721
Athens, TN 37371-1721
Phone: (423) 744-3005
E-mail: fcpr@fullcirclepregnancy.com