English 
Spanish Choosing abortion can leave you with a tangle of emotions like relief, sadness, guilt, or even numbness, and that’s okay. It’s a big decision, and what you feel afterward doesn’t follow a script.
At Vida Support Services, we know healing starts with facing those emotions, not pushing them away. Here’s how to navigate them and find some peace.
Acknowledge What You’re Feeling
First, let yourself feel it, whatever “it” is. You might be relieved the situation’s resolved but ache over what could’ve been. Or maybe guilt creeps in, even if you stand by your choice. There’s no right or wrong here; emotions aren’t a scorecard.
Naming them out loud, in a journal, or just in your head can loosen their grip. It’s not about judging yourself but seeing where you’re at.
Give Yourself Time
Healing isn’t a race. Some days, you might feel okay—and on others, it hits hard again. That’s normal. Emotions ebb and flow, especially after something as substantial as abortion. Don’t rush to “get over it.”
Let the waves come, and trust they’ll settle with time. Studies show that processing big experiences gradually helps with long-term well-being, so be patient with yourself.
Lean on Someone Safe
The effects of an abortion can be isolating. A friend or family member who listens without trying to fix it, a support group, or a counselor can make a difference. Talking it out, or even just sitting with someone who gets it, can lighten the emotional weight.
If you’re not ready to talk personally, you can even look online for groups of people with a shared experience that you can connect with anonymously.
Find Meaning Your Way
Healing can happen in different ways. It may mean writing about it, creating something, or helping others who’ve been there. It’s not about erasing what happened—it’s about weaving it into your story so it doesn’t define you. Small steps can ground you, too, like a walk or a moment to breathe.
Reach Out for Care
You don’t have to face this alone. Vida Support Services understands the emotional ripples after an abortion, and we’re here to support you.
We can refer you for no-cost post-abortive care with compassionate, no-judgment help tailored to where you’re at.
Contact us today to talk. We’re here to help you take the first step toward healing.