Perinatal loss is a serious public health issue that affects about one in ten women globally. The emotions that women experience after a perinatal loss are called perinatal bereavement or perinatal grief. (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9858910/)
Why is it important to talk to someone?
Grief response: Women may experience more intense grief than men. (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3384447/#:~:text=Similar%20findings%20were%20reported%20by,2%20years%20of%20follow%2Dup.&text=The%20men%20in%20this%20study,than%20speaking%20about%20their%20loss.&text=Johnsson%20and%20Puddifoot51%20had,noncongruent%20grieving%20processes%20between%20partners.)
Support: There is a lack of recognition for perinatal bereavement, in particular grief following induced abortions. (https://psychcentral.com/depression/understanding-abortion-grief-and-the-recovery-process)
Experiencing the loss of a pregnancy (wanted or unwanted), infant, or child brings unimaginable pain, grief, and isolation and is associated with an increased risk of depression, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms.
If you are experiencing the following emotions following perinatal loss or abortion:
- Anger
- Shame
- Guilt
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Feelings of isolation and loneliness
- Sleep problems and nightmares
- Relationship problems
- Thoughts of suicide
- Unexpected mood changes
- Feeling detached from others
- Irritability
- Persistent sadness
- Low mood
- Wondering what could’ve happened
Non-judgmental support, information, and connection with others is available to you and you can begin to heal.
Resources (there are more available on-line):
- American Society for Reproductive Medicine: https://www.asrm.org/
- Resolve: https://resolve.org/events/national-infertility-awareness-week
- H3HELPLINE: https://h3helpline.org/help-after-abortion/post-abortion-stress-syndrome/#:~:text=Post%20Abortion%20Stress%20Syndrome%20(PASS)%20is%20the,continue%20for%20months%20or%20even%20years%20afterwards
- Project Rachel: https://hopeafterabortion.com/
- Rachel’s Vineyard: https://www.rachelsvineyard.org/
- Surrendering the Secret: https://surrenderingthesecret.com/
- Postpartum Support International: https://www.postpartum.net/
- SAMHSA: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
- Pregnancy & Postpartum Support MN: https://www.ppsupportmn.org/
- NAMI: https://namimn.org/support/information-and-resources/perinatal-resources
- Other MN Resources: https://www.health.state.mn.us/people/womeninfants/pmad/contacts.html#:~:text=Pregnancy%20%26%20Postpartum%20Support%20Minnesota%20(PSI,return%20messages%20during%20business%20hours.
If you are having current thoughts of depression or facing a mental health crisis, please call SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders. 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
If you are having active thoughts of suicide, please call 9-11 or to your closest Emergency Room.