I Already Have Mental Health Problems. Could Abortion Make It Worse?

You know your mental health better than anyone. You know your triggers, your limits, and what it takes to keep things stable. That self-awareness is exactly why you’re asking this question before making a decision.

Alpha Clinics in Vacaville offers free, confidential services to help you get the information you need. Make an appointment before you decide on anything.

What the Research Shows

A review of multiple studies found the following:

• Women who have had abortions show higher rates of mental illness compared to women who have not.
• The abortion experience directly contributes to mental health problems for at least some women.
• Women with a pre-existing mental health condition are identified as the highest-risk group for struggling after an abortion.

For women with a pre-existing mental health condition, these findings don’t predict what every experience will be. They do suggest taking time to understand the potential emotional impact of abortion and discussing your concerns before making a pregnancy decision.

Other Factors That May Increase the Risk

The same research identified situations that made mental health outcomes worse after abortion:

• Feeling pressured by others to end the pregnancy
• Little or no support from people close to you
• Needing to keep the abortion secret
• Low self-esteem or other personality factors

What the Experience Has Looked Like for Some Women

Women’s emotional experiences after abortion vary. Some report feeling relief, while others experience grief, guilt, worsening anxiety, or depression. In some cases, women have also reported symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Get the Facts About Your Pregnancy First

Whatever you decide, knowing the details of your pregnancy is an essential first step. A free limited OB ultrasound at Alpha Clinics confirms how far along you are, whether the pregnancy is in a safe location, and whether the pregnancy is progressing.

We also provide abortion education and take time to answer your questions about abortion procedures, possible side effects, and how abortion can affect women physically and emotionally.

Make a free, confidential appointment today. Call (707) 449-8991.

Alpha Clinics does not provide or refer for abortions.

All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.