Adjustment Disorder (also known as Situational Depression) is a stress-borne type of mental illness that involves the development of extreme emotional or behavioral symptoms brought on by major life events. These stressful life events include moving, to losing your job, to getting a divorce, losing a child or other major stressors and life events. It’s important to note that not all of these precipitating events have to be negative life changes; adjustment disorder can be brought about by marriage or having a baby as well.
An adjustment disorder can happen to anyone, at any point in their life. Children and teens are affected at the same rate, while female adults are twice as likely to develop adjustment disorders.
Like other mental illnesses, the cause is generally complex; a mixture of genetics, environment, life experiences, and temperament are involved in the development of adjustment disorder.
What Causes Adjustment Disorders?
Adjustment disorders are caused by a major life stressor which can be any number of things. In children and teens adjustment disorder may be brought on by a number of things, including:
Problems at school
Marital problems in parents
Family problems
Issues with sexuality
In adults, adjustment disorder may present after any of the following:
Marital problems
Economic struggles
Work problems
All ages may be affected with adjustment disorder after the following events:
Death of a loved one (especially if it was a sudden death)
Major life changes
Major trauma
Major medical diagnoses
It’s impossible to predict who will develop adjustment disorder, even if the precipitating event is the same, but it’s important to note that the development of adjustment disorder may be brought on by both internal and external factors.
External factors that may lead to the development of adjustment disorder can include social support availability, economic conditions, recreational or occupational opportunities.
Internal factors that may lead to the development of adjustment disorder can include social skills, IQ, coping mechanisms, and genetics.
The development of adjustment disorder is often a combination of internal and external factors in a person’s life.
What Are The Risk Factors For Adjustment Disorder?
While no one cause has been indicated for the development of adjustment disorder, and not everyone reacts the same way to the same stressors, adjustment disorder can be caused by any one of the following:
Diagnosis of a major, chronic illness
School problems
Going away to school
Relationship breakup
Divorce
Becoming unemployed
Having a baby
Physical trauma
Surviving a disaster – tornado, hurricane
Retirement
Losing a loved one
Challenging life circumstances
Exposure to violence
Additional mental health issues.
In addition, those who are under constant stress – living in a bad area – may hit a point in which they breakdown and develop adjustment disorder.
Former life experiences may also play a role in the development of adjustment disorder. If changes and adjustments are challenging and you lack social support, you may be more apt to develop adjustment disorder.
Those who experienced stressful situations in childhood – over or under-protective parents, divorce, moving often – may make an adult or adolescent feel as though they have no control over their life, which means when stressors occur, coping may be more challenging.
What Are The Symptoms of Adjustment Disorder?
Symptoms of adjustment disorder include distress uncharacteristic of what would be expected by the major life event and cause major impairment at work, with one’s social life, or educational abilities and occur within 3 months of the known stressor.
The symptoms for adjustment disorder may not meet the criteria for another mental illness, such as major depression or anxiety disorders, and do not last longer than six months from the onset of the precipitating event.
Symptoms of adjustment disorder, which vary wildly between people, can include the following:
Agitation and restlessness
Anxiety
Fears
Worry
Tension
Trembling or twitching of the extremities
Physical complaints without medical cause
Heart palpitations
Depressed mood
Social withdrawal and decreased social functioning
Occupational impairment
Various conduct disorders – stealing, fighting, vandalism.
It is important to note that while these symptoms are the ones most often experienced by those diagnosed with adjustment disorder, adjustment disorder presents itself differently in every person.
What Are The Subsets Of Adjustment Disorders?
Adjustment disorder is often categorized into subtypes based upon the symptoms. These subcategories of adjustment disorders are:
Adjustment Disorder with Anxiety: Symptoms include feeling nervous, worried, difficulty concentrating, feelings of being overwhelmed. Children may experience intense separation anxiety.
Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood: Symptoms include sadness, feeling tearful and hopeless, and loss of pleasure in previously enjoyable activities.
Adjustment Disorder, Mixed Type – Anxiety and Depression: Symptoms include depression and anxiety.
Adjustment Disorder with Conduct Disturbances: Symptoms include problems such as fighting, reckless driving, and not paying bills.
Adjustment Disorder, Mixed Type, Emotional and Conduct Disturbance: Symptoms include depression, anxiety, and behavioral problems.
Adjustment Disorder, NOS: For those whose symptoms aren’t better described by the other types of adjustment disorder, often have symptoms that include problems with work, family friends, somatic complaints.
How is Adjustment Disorder Diagnosed?
A diagnosis of adjustment disorder can be acute or chronic, is based upon the following criteria.
The reaction the person is having is clearly tied to a life stressor (whether or not the person is aware of the root cause).
Within three months of the stressor, behavioral and emotional symptoms develop.
The symptoms experienced seem excessive compared to “normal” reactions to the same stressor and/or symptoms cause major impairment in work, social functioning, or school.
The symptoms are not better explained by another diagnosis.
The symptoms are not related to grief and grieving.
The symptoms do not last over six months from the end of the stressor, unless the person is suffering complex adjustment disorder, in which case symptoms may last longer than six months.
How is Adjustment Disorder Treated?
Treatment for adjustment disorder, like most mental illnesses, is aimed at managing symptoms to allow the person to reach a level of social and occupational (or scholastic) functioning comparable to what was normal before the precipitating event.
A mental health professional will often recommend that a person suffering from adjustment disorder begin a course of therapy. This type of therapy can be individual, behavioral, family therapy, and self-help groups.
As adjustment disorder is a relatively short-term mental illness, realistic and attainable short-term goals should be created with the onset of treatment.
The goals set during therapy are generally centered around the social supports available to the person, which includes: friends, family, and the community. While social support is explored, the therapist often works with the person to help with coping skills and abilities to manage stress.
For children and teens, family therapy in addition to teaching the individual how to cope with stressors in his or her life is often recommended.
Occasionally, prescription medication may be utilized to eliminate some of the symptoms of depression and anxiety. Medications may be prescribed in conjunction with therapy.
What Are Complications Associated With Adjustment Disorder?
Generally speaking, most adults who have adjustment disorder recover within six months without complications. People who have other mental health issues, addictions, or chronic adjustment disorder are more likely to develop greater long-term mental health problems. In adults, these problems can include:
Major depressive disorder
Addictions to substances or alcohol
Suicidal behavior and thoughts.
Teenagers who have adjustment disorder – especially chronic adjustment disorder with behavioral problems – are at greater risk for the development of:
Adjustment disorder, while a challenging disorder in the short-term, is often treated properly and people who have the disorder recover without lingering symptoms. Recovery is often more favorable for those who have no previous history of mental illness and have adequate social support during treatment and recovery.
How Can I Help Myself Heal From Adjustment Disorder?
When you’re suffering from adjustment disorder, it may feel hopeless; like your world has crashed and burned, and you may not see the light at the end of the tunnel. Here are some tips for coping with adjustment disorder:
Go easy on yourself – allow yourself the time to process your feelings and work through them.
Don’t let anyone tell you “you’re not getting over this fast enough.” Recovery takes time.
Don’t engage in negative self-talk while dealing with adjustment disorder. You’re going to be fine.
In fact, your mantra is “everything is okay. I am okay.” Say that when you’re lowest or most anxious.
Force yourself to talk to people – adjustment disorder can be very isolating. Don’t isolate yourself, even if it feels good.
Tell people that you’re hurting. There’s no shame in this. Just make sure the people you tell are those you can trust.
Find a hobby that brings you joy and throw yourself into it.
Keep a healthy diet and stick to a regular sleep routine.
Find a local support group and attend it. There is tremendous strength in numbers.
Ask others how they cope with stressors and see if you can learn to practice some.
Do something nice for yourself every day.
Remind yourself often that you can get through this.
Utilize and learn proper coping skills and stress management like yoga, meditation and time with loved ones.
Ask your therapist for some suggestions to manage stress.
If Your Child Has Adjustment Disorder…
Parents who see their children struggle with adjustment disorder are often stuck feeling helpless and hopeless. Here are some tips for helping children with adjustment disorder:
Tell your child that their feelings are normal; that emotions aren’t wrong.
Explain that sometimes our emotions can be scary; but that’s okay.
Remind them that while it hurts now, it won’t always hurt.
Be supportive and understanding.
Show your love to your child.
Talk to your child about his or her feelings.
Allow your child to choose things he or she likes to do around the home.
Allow your child to make simple decisions about the things he or she eats or watches on television.
Make sure the school knows that your child is coping with adjustment disorder and have the teachers let you know how he or she is doing in school.
Find a hobby or something fun that your child likes to do and encourage participation in that.
Can You Prevent Adjustment Disorder?
It’s important to note that there’s no sure-fire way to prevent the development of adjustment disorder, but the development of healthy coping skills and learning to be resilient may work in your favor during times of adversity, trauma, or tragedies. Some ways to increase your ability to manage stress and become more resilient include the following:
Laughing and finding things to keep you laughing.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle
Feeling good about yourself
Having – or creating – a support network.
Call upon your inner strength if you know a stressful situation in your future.
Additional Resources For Adjustment Disorder:
ChildMind Institute offers information and advice for parents of children with mental disorders
While we here at Band Back Together work tirelessly to collect hotline numbers, it’s not always possible for us to vet each number. If a hotline number is no longer functional or is in bad taste, please send an email to becky@bandbacktogether.com with the phone number so we can remove it.
A safe space to talk about abortion experiences by offering a talkline providing unbiased support and encouragement of self-care for people who have had an abortion.
ARC offers non-directive information and support to parents before, during and after antenatal screening; when they are told their baby has an anomaly; when they are making difficult decisions about continuing with or ending a pregnancy, and when they are coping with complex and painful issues after making a decision, including bereavement.
Call our national helpline and speak to a member of our trained team. Our helpline is open Monday to Friday, 10.00am-5.30pm.
Call 0845 077 2290 or 0207 713 7486 from a mobile.
To speak to an information support specialist, please contact us at 1.800.394.3366 between 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. (ET)
For questions regarding our services, website, or website content, contact info@childwelfare.gov
Use Live Chat(opens in new window), an instant messaging service, to contact an information support specialist between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. (ET). We recommend turning off your pop-up blocker to maximize this service.
NCADD focuses on increasing public awareness and understanding of the diseases of alcohol and drug dependence through education, prevention, information and referral, intervention, treatment services, advocacy, and recovery support services.
Confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders.
NCADD focuses on increasing public awareness and understanding of the diseases of alcohol and drug dependence through education, prevention, information and referral, intervention, treatment services, advocacy, and recovery support services.
Confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders.
Offers confidential support and information to people living with Alzheimer’s or other dementia, caregivers, families, and the public.
We are available around the clock, 365 days a year at 800.272.3900 (TTY: 866.403.3073).
Click the “Live Chat” green button on this page to connect with a member of our Helpline staff. Live chat is typically available from 7a.m.-7p.m. (CST) Monday through Friday.
Online.Use this form to let us know how we can help you. We will respond to you within 24 hours.
Offers information on diagnosis, treatment, patient care, caregiver needs, long-term care, and research and clinical trials related to Alzheimer’s disease.
An independent, national 501 (c)(3) organization dedicated to helping federally and commercially insured people living with life-threatening, chronic and rare diseases with the out-of-pocket costs for their prescribed medications.
Is a non-profit organization that funds research into cures for Alzheimer’s disease, macular degeneration and glaucoma, and provides the public with information about risk factors, preventative lifestyles, available treatments and coping strategies.
Hotline: 1 (800) 799 – 7233 Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via phone and online chat.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline (The Hotline) is available for anyone experiencing domestic violence, seeking resources or information, or questioning unhealthy aspects of their relationship.
The IRS Employee Plans maintains the Abusive Transaction Hotline that people can use to share information (anonymously, if preferred) about abusive tax shelters and emerging issues that may be abusive in retirement plans.
An independent, national 501 (c)(3) organization dedicated to helping federally and commercially insured people living with life-threatening, chronic and rare diseases with the out-of-pocket costs for their prescribed medications.
We lead the fight for the arthritis community through life-changing information and resources, access to optimal care, advancements in science and community connections.
The Arthritis National Research Foundation provides arthritis research grants to scientists at major universities and research institutes across America.
Contact the Arthritis National Research Foundation office through this form or by dialing (800) 588-2873 or (562) 437-6808
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Information Clearinghouse
The mission of the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases is to support research into the causes, treatment, and prevention of arthritis and musculoskeletal and skin diseases; the training of basic and clinical scientists to carry out this research; and the dissemination of information on research progress in these diseases.
HelpLine is a FREE call-back or email service available to all Canadians. Whether you have asthma and other respiratory allergies or are a caregiver, our team of expert CREs can support you.Asthma Canada
The American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association is dedicated to the eradication of autoimmune diseases and the alleviation of suffering and the socioeconomic impact of autoimmunity through fostering and facilitating collaboration in the areas of education, public awareness, research, and patient services in an effective, ethical and efficient manner.
NORD works with pharmaceutical companies to ensure that vital medications are available to those in need. They currently offer a program to assist with premiums and co-pays for PNH patients.
Patients can contact NORD’s Patient Services Representatives at 1-800-999-6673
Si deseas hablar con alguien en espanol por favor llame al (844) 259-7178 para asistencia.
An independent, national 501 (c)(3) organization dedicated to helping federally and commercially insured people living with life-threatening, chronic and rare diseases with the out-of-pocket costs for their prescribed medications.
The Child Death Helpline is a helpline for anyone affected by the death of a child of any age, from pre-birth to adult, under any circumstances, however recently or long ago.
Email: contact@childdeathhelpline.org
Freephone: 0800 282 986
Additional Freephone number for ALL mobiles: 0808 800 6019
Can guide you through the grieving process and empower you to help other families facing the same tragedy.
For Immediate Grief Support, Call 1-800-221-7437.
Counselors are available 24/7
Guiding Light – Stillbirth – Red Nose Grief and Grieving – Australia
Welcome to Red Nose Grief and Loss (formerly SIDS and Kids). With over 40 years’ experience supporting grieving individuals and families, we understand the sudden or unexpected death of a baby or young child is one of the most difficult experiences any person will face
Saying Goodbye provides comprehensive information, advice, support and much more to anyone who has suffered the loss of a baby, at any stage of pregnancy, at birth or in infancy, whether the loss be recent or historic.
Specializes in providing beautiful small baby caskets and burial products for families suffering the loss of a child through miscarriage, stillbirth, or preemie death.
Comfort Zone Camp is a nonprofit 501(c)3 bereavement organization that transforms the lives of children who have experienced the death of a parent, sibling, or primary caregiver.
Our programs are free of charge and include confidence building activities and age-based support groups that break the emotional isolation grief often bring
SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) and SUDC (Sudden Unexplained Death of a Child)
The Lullaby Trust (formerly FSID the Foundation for the Study of Infant Death) (UK)
Lullaby funds research, supports bereaved families and promotes safe baby care advice, including helpline for bereaved parents and their families, friends, neighbours and anyone else who has experienced the sudden death of a baby.
1st Breath works with parents who are experiencing the stillbirth of their baby from the time they learn the baby has died throughout their grief journey
One very important resource is having support and guidance as you prepare for your baby’s birth. Contact Loss Doulas International to make birth planning and companioning available to families in need when their child is to be born still, miscarried, or has a condition that is incompatible with life and likely will not live long after birth.
Sands provide support for bereaved parents and their families when their baby dies, before, during or soon after birth as well as information and support for healthcare professionals.
International Society for the Study and Prevention of Perinatal and Infant Death
The International Society for the Study and Prevention of Perinatal and Infant Death (ISPID) is a not-for-profit organization that is leading the world in discovering evidence-based preventive measures for stillbirth and sudden infant death.
ISPID also works to promote improved quality, standardization of care for bereaved parents, and networking families, professionals, and scientists through resource sharing
Guiding Light – Stillbirth – Red Nose Grief and Grieving – Australia
Welcome to Red Nose Grief and Loss (formerly SIDS and Kids). With over 40 years’ experience supporting grieving individuals and families, we understand the sudden or unexpected death of a baby or young child is one of the most difficult experiences any person will face
The Ectopic Pregnancy Foundation has been established with the aim of improving the care of women with a diagnosis, or possible diagnosis, of ectopic pregnancy. We hope to reduce the morbidity and maternal mortality caused by this common condition.
ARC offers non-directive information and support to parents before, during and after antenatal screening; when they are told their baby has an anomaly; when they are making difficult decisions about continuing with or ending a pregnancy, and when they are coping with complex and painful issues after making a decision, including bereavement.
Call our national helpline and speak to a member of our trained team. Our helpline is open Monday to Friday, 10.00am-5.30pm.
Call 0845 077 2290 or 0207 713 7486 from a mobile.
Miscarriage Hotlines:
This UK-based hotline provides information and support for people affected by miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy or molar pregnancy.
They also provide a helpline: 01924 200 799.
The helpline is available Monday through Friday 9AM to 4PM UK Time (5 hours ahead of EST).
SUDC Program Hotline for helping navigate the autopsy and scene investigation: 1-800-620-SUDC.
helps to cover the myriad costs associated with transplants, such as donor searches, compatibility testing, bone marrow harvesting, medications, home and child care services, medical equipment, transportation, cord blood banking, housing, and other expenses
Open Homes Medical Stays – a partnership with Airbnb’s Open Homes Medical Stays program provides free temporary accommodations to patients diagnosed with any form of cancer or undergoing a hematopoietic stem cell transplant, as well as housing for their caregivers, family members, and donors.
Scholarship Grants offers survivors support towards an academic future so their hopes and dreams remain intact. Scholarship Grants supports students of all ages as they pursue their educational goals.
Helping clients and families how to bring together a network of relatives, friends, and neighbors in fundraising efforts to help cover the costs of uncovered medical expenses
Case Management Professional case managers at PAF work with the mission to identify and reduce the challenges that individuals like yourself are having when seeking care for their disease.
Co-Pay Relief Program patient assistance is purely donor-funded and money is dispersed to qualified patients while funds are available for each of the Diseases identified.
Largest of several US federal programs that provide assistance to people with disabilities.
(800) 772-1213
CancerCare
CancerCare® Co-Payment Assistance Foundation (CCAF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping patients afford their co-payments for chemotherapy and targeted treatment drugs.
Good Days is a non-profit advocacy organization that provides resources for life-saving and life-extending treatments to people in need of access to care.
The HealthWell Foundation provides financial assistance to eligible individuals to cover coinsurance, copayments, health care premiums and deductibles for certain medications and therapies. They have a pediatric assistance fund regardless of disease.
The Julia’s Wings Foundation (JWF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with the mission of providing assistance to families of children with the life threatening hematological diseases; aplastic anemia, MDS and PNH.
NORD works with pharmaceutical companies to ensure that vital medications are available to those in need. They currently offer a program to assist with premiums and co-pays for PNH patients.
Patients can contact NORD’s Patient Services Representatives at 1-800-999-6673
Si deseas hablar con alguien en espanol por favor llame al (844) 259-7178 para asistencia.
An independent, national 501 (c)(3) organization dedicated to helping federally and commercially insured people living with life-threatening, chronic and rare diseases with the out-of-pocket costs for their prescribed medications.
Dedicated to the prevention of child abuse. Serving the U.S. and Canada, the hotline is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with professional crisis counselors who—through interpreters—provide assistance in over 170 languages. The hotline offers crisis intervention, information, and referrals to thousands of emergency, social service, and support resources. All calls are confidential.
Hotline: 1 (800) 422 – 4453
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via phone and text.
A program of Boystown USA and is available to children, parents, and families who are struggling with self-harm, mental health disorders, and abuse.
Hotline: 1 (800) 448 – 3000
Text: Text VOICE to 20121 (hours vary)
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via phone, email, text, and online chat.
The Childhelp National Child Abuse HotlineChildren In Immediate Risk or Danger 1-800-THE-LOSTChild Abuse National Hotline: 1-800-252-2873 (1-800-25ABUSE)
Parenting Support: 1-800-CHILDREN
First Steps (East Valley Child Crisis Center) for child abuse prevention: 1-480-969-2308.
Helpline for Children – Toll-Free in BC (no area code needed) 310.1234
Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-342-3720
Family Violence Prevention Fund: 1-415-252-8900
Day Care Complaint Line: 1-800-732-5207
CyberTipline for reporting the exploitation of children: 1-800-843-5678
Friends of Battered Women and Their Children: 1-800-603-HELP
Kid Help – Children and adolescents in crisis: 1-800-543-7283
Children of Alcoholics:
National Association for Children of Alcoholics: 1-888-55-4COAS (1-888-554-2627)Al-Anon/Alateen Hotline: 1-800-344-2666
Suicide & Depression Hotline – Covenant House 800-999-9999
Disaster Distress:
SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline (USA) is a national hotline dedicated to providing immediate crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress related to any natural or human-caused disaster.
Open 24/7, 365-day-a–year
Call 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746
Provides counseling in 100 other languages via 3rd-party interpretation services
Disabilities Hotlines:
The Americans With Disabilities Act Information and Assistance Hotline: 1-800-514-0301
TTY: 1-800-514-0383
International: 1-202-541-0301
Domestic Or Intimate Partner Violence Abuse Hotlines:
Hotline: 1 (800) 799 – 7233 Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via phone and online chat.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline (The Hotline) is available for anyone experiencing domestic violence, seeking resources or information, or questioning unhealthy aspects of their relationship.
If you have questions, are aware of suspicious activities, or believe you have experienced commodity futures trading, commodity options trading or foreign currency trading (forex) fraud, please let the CFTC know immediately.
IRS Employee Plans maintains the Abusive Transaction Hotline that people can use to share information (anonymously, if preferred) about abusive tax shelters and emerging issues that may be abusive in retirement plans.
The LGBT National Help Center serves gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and questioning people by providing free and confidential peer support and local resources.
The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people under 25.
We are a group of volunteers with comprehensive sex education providing accurate, non-judgmental, confidential information about sexuality, gender, and relationships.
The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people under 25.
Good Days is a non-profit advocacy organization that provides resources for life-saving and life-extending treatments to people in need of access to care.
An independent, national 501 (c)(3) organization dedicated to helping federally and commercially insured people living with life-threatening, chronic and rare diseases with the out-of-pocket costs for their prescribed medications.
GMHC AIDS Hotline: 1-800-AIDS-NYC (1-800-243-7692) TTY: 1-212-645-7470
General AIDS hotline for those worried that they may be infected, or people trying to access New York City AIDS resource: 1-212-807-6655
CDC Business and Labor Resource Service (HIV at Work): 1-877-242-9760 TTY: 1-800-243-7012
HIV Health InfoLine (by Project Inform) 1-888-HIV-INFO (1-888-448-4636)
Non-judgmental volunteer operators listen to callers, share their own stories and provide calm, clear and encouraging information about HIV disease and its care.
National Association of People With AIDS Hotline: 1-240-247-0880
To find HIV Testing Centers 1-800 CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636).
Women Alive: 1-800-554-4876 International: 1-323-965-1564
A national hotline staffed by HIV-positive women. Geared for HIV-positive women who would like peer support or treatment information. Spanish speaking operators are available.
An independent, national 501 (c)(3) organization dedicated to helping federally and commercially insured people living with life-threatening, chronic and rare diseases with the out-of-pocket costs for their prescribed medications.
A national anti-trafficking hotline serving victims and survivors of human trafficking and the anti-trafficking community in the United States. The toll-free hotline is available to answer calls from anywhere in the country, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year in more than 200 languages.
Hotline: 1-888-373-7888
Text: 233733
Kids Hotlines:
Phone Friend: 1-602-253-9099. Phone line for school-age home alone children.
Good Days is a non-profit advocacy organization that provides resources for life-saving and life-extending treatments to people in need of access to care.
Provides emotional support, technical advice, and information to current victims of online abuse. It has served over 5,000 victims of nonconsensual pornography (NCP), recorded sexual assault (RSA) and sextortion.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD): 1-800-223-6233.
Disabled Parents: 1-623-872-3822
Covenant House Crisis Line for youth, teen and families: 1-800-999-9999
Pediatric Health Hotlines:
HealthWell Foundation
The HealthWell Foundation provides financial assistance to eligible individuals to cover coinsurance, copayments, health care premiums and deductibles for certain medications and therapies. They have a pediatric assistance fund regardless of disease.
The Julia’s Wings Foundation (JWF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with the mission of providing assistance to families of children with the life threatening hematological diseases; aplastic anemia, MDS, and PNH.
Call: (860) 355-3653
Email info@juliaswings.org
Pet Loss Hotlines:
US Pet Loss Hotlines:C.A.R.E. Pet Loss Helpline – (877) 394-CARE (2273)
Thursday’s Child’s National Youth Advocacy Hotline at 1-800-USA KIDS
National Hotline for Missing and Exploited Children: 1-800-843-5678
National Runaway Switchboard: 1-800-621-4000
Child Find of America Hotline: 1-800-I-AM-LOST (1-800-426.5678)
CONFIDENTIAL Runaway Hotline: 1-800-231-6946
Parent Abduction Hotline: 1-800-292-9688
Self-Injury Hotlines:
National Self-Injury Hotline: 1-800-DONT CUT (1-800-366-8288)
Service Animal Hotlines:
Access to public places with a service dog and other rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Department of Justice at (800) 514-0301; TTY (800) 514-0383;
Housing with a Service Animal: Department of Housing and Urban Development at (202) 708-1112; TTY (202) 708-1455;
Traveling with a Service Animal: Department of Transportation at (202) 366-4000
Bringing your Service Animal to Work: Job Accommodation Network, a free service of the Office of Disability Employment Policy of the Department of Labor, at (800) 526-7234
We are a group of volunteers with comprehensive sex education providing accurate, non-judgmental, confidential information about sexuality, gender, and relationships.
The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people under 25.
We are a group of volunteers with comprehensive sex education providing accurate, non-judgmental, confidential information about sexuality, gender, and relationships.
The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people under 25.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.
Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via phone and online chat.
Lifeline Chat is a service of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, connecting individuals with counselors for emotional support and other services via web chat
Chat is available 24/7 across the U.S.
National Adolescent Suicide Hotline: 1-800-621-4000Boys Town Suicide and Crisis Line: 1-800-448-3000 or 1-800-448-1833 (TDD)
The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people under 25.
The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people under 25.
The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Youth Talkline provides telephone, online private one-to-one chat and email peer-support, as well as factual information and local resources for cities and towns across the United States.
For teens and young adults up to age 25
1-800-246-7743
Hotline hours are Monday thru Friday from 1pm to 9pm, pacific time
Peovides telephone peer-support, as well as factual information and local resources for our senior community. No matter where they live, LGBT seniors have a place to call when they need peer-support, information and local resources.
1-888-234-7243
Hotline hours are Monday thru Friday from 1pm to 9pm, pacific time
Saturday from 9am to 2pm, pacific time
Children’s National Medical Center Gender and Sexuality Advocacy and Education: (202) 884-2504
Achondroplasia is a type of short-limbed dwarfism. The word “achondroplasia” actually means “without cartilage formation.” Cartilage is a tough but flexible tissue that comprises most of the skeleton during early development. However, in achondroplasia the problem is that the cartilage has problems turning to bone (ossification) particularly in the long bones of the arms and legs. Achondroplasia is similar to another skeletal disorder called hypochondroplasia, but the features of achondroplasia tend to be more severe. Achondroplasia is in a group of disorders called chondrodystrophies or osteochondrodysplasias. There are over 200 forms of dwarfism, but achondroplasia is the most common.
Even though achondroplasia literally means “without cartilage formation” the defect is not in forming cartilage but in converting it to bone. Achondroplasia is one of the oldest known birth defects, and the frequency is estimated to range from about 1 in 10,000 in Latin America to roughly 12 in 77,000 in Denmark. The average figure worldwide is estimated at 1 in 25,000 births. Achondroplasia may be inherited as an autosomal dominant trait, which is when the child receives a defective gene from one parent. If one parent has achondroplasia, the baby has a 50% chance of inheriting the disorder, but if both parents have the condition then the baby’s chances of being affected in some way increase to 75%.
The average height of an adult with achondroplasia is 131 cm (4 foot 4 inches) in males and 124 cm (4 foot 1 inch) in females.
Causes of Achondroplasia:
Mutations in the FGFR3 gene cause achondroplasia. The FGFR3 gene provides instructions for making a protein involved in the development and maintenance of bone and brain tissue. Two specific mutations in the FGFR3 gene are responsible for almost all cases of achondroplasia. Researchers believe that these mutations cause the FGFR3 protein to be overly active, which interferes with skeletal development and leads to the disturbances in bone growth seen with people who have achrondroplasia.
Unlike other forms of dwarfism, the majority of cases of achondroplasia are not inherited but caused by genetic mutation. More than 80% of people with achondroplasia have parents with normal stature and are born with achondroplasia as a result of a new gene alteration or mutation. There is only a small chance those same parents would have another child with achondroplasia. In most cases, the FGFR3 gene mutation occurs in the egg or sperm cell before conception.
Risk Factors of Achondroplasia:
Achondroplasia is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner. About 80% of people who have achondroplasia have parents with average stature. These parents have a very low risk of having another child with achondroplasia. An individual with achondroplasia who has a partner with average stature is at about 50% risk in each pregnancy of having a child with achondroplasia. When both parents have achondroplasia, the risk to their offspring of having average stature is 25%; of having achondroplasia, 50%; and of having homozygous achondroplasia (a lethal condition), 25%.
Symptoms of Achondroplasia:
The general appearance of achondroplastic dwarfism is seen at birth. Symptoms include:
Prominent forehead (frontal bossing)
Bowed legs
Clubbed feet
Abnormal hand appearance including space between the long and ring fingers
Spinal stenosis
Spine curvatures (kyphosis and lordosis)
Shortened arms and legs, especially the upper portion
Disproportionately large head-to-body ratio
Short stature, significantly below the average height for a person of same age and sex
Additional symptoms include:
Breathing issues (apnea)
Weak muscle tone (hypotonia)
Obesity
Recurrent ear infections
Delays in walking or motor skills
Chronic ear infections, potential hearing loss
Fluid buildup in the brain (hydrocephalus)
Diagnosis of Achondroplasia:
The diagnosis of achondroplasia can be based on the typical physical features – the hallmarks of achondroplasia – that are seen at birth. These hallmark features are also seen by X-rays, ultrasound, and other imaging techniques. With ultrasound imaging, the diagnosis can sometimes be strongly suspected before birth.
The molecular diagnosis of achondroplasia before birth is possible if there is suspicion of the diagnosis or an increased risk (such as when a parent is affected by achondroplasia). In families in which both parents have achondroplasia, prenatal diagnosis may be particularly useful, the aim being to distinguish fatal homozygous achondroplasia (with two copies of the defective gene) from heterozygous achondroplasia (with one copy of the achondroplasia gene) from normal. Diagnosis before birth is accomplished by examining cells obtained by chorionic villus sampling (CVS) or amniocentesis.
Treatment of Achondroplasia:
Children and adults who have achondroplasia can lead normal lives provided they receive attentive, informed care by their physicians and parents. Considerations in monitoring children with achondroplasia include careful measurements of growth (length/height and weight) and head circumference using curves specially standardized for those with achondroplasia. Knowledgeable pediatric care and periodic orthopedic and neurological examinations are critical.
When unique problems occur for a person who has achrondoplasia, they do require prompt, expert care. These include:
In infants, the large opening under the skull (foramen magnum) may need to be surgically enlarged in cases of severe narrowing (stenosis) and compression of the spinal cord. When this opening is too narrow, the blood vessels and nerves are compressed, which can lead to central apnea (loss of breathing control). This is responsible for the risk of sudden death in infants (SIDS) with achondroplasia. The risk of sudden death for infants with achondroplasia is 2% to 5%.
As a child, once full growth is achieved, there are some orthopedic procedures that may be performed to lengthen the limb bones and/or surgical correction of bowed legs.
Some people who have achondroplasia can develop back problems, including lordosis (a marked swaying of the lower back), kyphosis (a mid-back bump) in infancy, and compressed spinal cords as teens. Spinal chord compression may need surgery to decompress the cord. In adults, spinal stenosis is the most common medical complications of achondroplasia.
Spinal surgery (also known as a lumbar laminectomy) may needed when spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spine) leads to symptoms, which tends to be evident in young adults.
Some people who have achondroplasia may experience a disproportion between the brain and back of the skull, which can lead to hydrocephalus – which needs to be promptly detected and treated (generally it is treated by a shunt placement in the brain to drain the excess fluid
Infants who have the typical large head increases bleeding within the baby’s head during a vaginal delivery, which should definitely be addressed regarding birth and aftercare. Some physicians may recommend a C-Section deliver as the brain stem (which controls breathing and respiration) may be compressed, which can contribute to difficulty breathing after birth. It is recommended that all babies prenatally diagnosed with achondroplasia should be delivered via C-Section.
Treatment with HGH (human growth hormone) is still considered an experimental treatment has shown to increase growth rate post-treatment. Studies are still pending to see if adult height can be increased using this treatment.
Kids with achondroplasia are prone to middle ear infections (called “otitis media”) which can lead to hearing loss and should be treated with antibiotics promptly.
Dental crowding can occur as a child’s teeth grow in and can be surgically corrected by a dentist specializing in this type of treatment.
Obesity is something to be addressed as soon as possible for people who have achondroplasia and often occurs in childhood. The excess weight can lead to many problems, much as it does to people without achondroplasia, only much, much worse. Parents should be aware of this when caring for their children and adults can control their weight.
Additional Achondroplasia Resources:
At clinicaltrials.gov, you can see what types of research are being done, qualifications, and membership into clinical trials for achondroplasia in the US.
The Human Growth Foundation is an excellent resource whose mission is to help children, and adults with disorders of growth and growth hormone through research, education, support, and advocacy.
UCLA International Skeletal Dysplasia Registry is open to any individual who has been diagnosed with a skeletal dysplasia may be enrolled in the Registry. Parents and siblings of an affected individual are strongly encouraged to participate. If there is a family history of the condition, affected and unaffected members of the extended family are also welcome to enroll.
An abortion is a very common medical procedure that uses various methods to end an established pregnancy before birth, generally within the first twelve weeks of gestation. A medical abortion may be performed in a doctor’s office or at home. While it is a fairly taboo topic, it’s also a very common procedure: one in three women will have an abortion before the age of 45.
If you are pregnant, you should be aware of your options, including abortion. Deciding to have an abortion is a major decision with both emotional and psychological consequences.
What Is the Difference Between The Abortion Pill and Surgical Abortion?
1) The abortion pill or chemical abortion is an abortion that involves taking medication (Plan B, RU-486, and mifepristone or methotrexate along with misoprostol) to terminate a pregnancy and works up until 10 weeks gestation. Often known as “Plan B,” this medication is available over-the-counter at most pharmacies. This allows a woman to have an abortion at home.
It can take anywhere from a single day to four days after a woman takes the pills for the abortion to be complete. The length of time depends upon which medications are used (mifepristone generally takes less time than methotrexate).
During the chemical abortion, women will experience vaginal bleeding after the first drug is taken. The bleeding may be very light or like a heavy period. After the misoprostal is taken, cramping and bleeding begin – more cramping and bleeding than associated with a normal menstrual period. These cramps and clots should last several hours before the greyish gestational sac is passed. Most women take these drugs and expel the embryo at home, which means that she should be prepared for this. The clinic staff should provide guidance as to how to best prepare and what to expect.
If abdominal cramping or flu-like symptoms last greater than 24 hours, a woman should call her abortion provider. A menstrual cycle following a medical abortion may be longer or different than a normal menstrual cycle, but by the second cycle, the cycle should return to normal.
Common Symptoms Associated With The Abortion Pill:
Dizziness
Cramping
Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhea
Abdominal pain
Mild fever or chills
Serious Complications of the Abortion Pill:
Call your doctor IMMEDIATELY if you experience any of the following:
Clots for two or more hours which are larger than a lemon
Heavy vaginal bleeding: soaking through two or more maxi-pads for two hours in a row
Fever over 100.4 degrees for over four hours
Abdominal pain that cannot be managed with medication, heating pad or rest
Vomiting for more than four hours so severe you cannot keep anything down
Smelly, unpleasant vaginal discharge
Any signs you’re still pregnant
2) Surgical or In-Clinic Abortion is what most people think of as an abortion, in which a woman goes to a clinic and ends a pregnancy with the aid of medical doctors, nurses, and surgical anesthesia. A surgical abortion works by emptying the uterus with special instruments. Planned Parenthood provides additional information regarding surgical abortions here.
Surgical or In-Clinic Abortion is an option for terminating a pregnancy. The cervix is gradually opened with tapered rods, until it is wide enough for a cannula to fit through. A cannula attached to some sort of suction machine is inserted into the cervix and the contents of the uterus are emptied by suction. This type of abortion is highly effective and completed within minutes. It allows for sedation, can be used in early pregnancy and generally requires only one visit to the provider.
There are two types of in-clinic abortion procedures.
Aspiration: This is the most common type of abortion performed, typically before 16 weeks gestation.
D&E (Dilation and Evacuation): This type of abortion is performed normally after 16 weeks gestation.
Common Problems After an In-Clinic Abortion:
Heavy bleeding for a few days with minor bleeding and spotting for several weeks
Infection
Undetected ectopic pregnancy
Injury to the uterus or cervix
Incomplete removal of pregnancy
Blood clots in the uterus
Serious Complications of In-Clinic Abortions:
Call your doctor IMMEDIATELY if you experience any of the following:
Very heavy bleeding: passing of clots larger than a lemon or soaking through two or more pads in an hour
Pain not helped by medication, heating pads or rest
Fever
Vomiting
Unpleasant, smelly vaginal discharge
Signs you are still pregnant
Why Do Women Choose To Have Abortions?
A woman’s reasons for choosing to terminate a pregnancy are highly personal and should never be discounted. A woman can choose to have an abortion for any reason that feels right for her. Some of the reasons a woman may choose to have an abortion can include – but is not limited to – the following:
They were abused, in an abusive relationship, and/or sexually assaulted
They are not physically healthy enough to carry a baby
They’re not ready to be a parent yet
They cannot afford a new baby
They want to focus on their living children
They need to be able to achieve their goals: finishing school, finding a good job
They cannot sustain or cope with a baby with their romantic partner
Anti-Abortion Propaganda:
Many anti-abortion groups claim that having an abortion increases a woman’s risk for developing breast cancer and endangers future childbearing. These groups claim that women who have had abortions without complications are more likely to experience infertility, become unable to carry a pregnancy to term, develop ectopic pregnancies, deliver stillborn babies, or become sterile. This propaganda is designed to make a pregnant woman carry their pregnancy to term and can cause severe guilt, anger, fear, and other emotional reactions in pregnant women who may consider abortions.
These claims have been refuted by a significant amount of medical research.
It is also worth noting that having an abortion does not make you a bad person, weak, stupid, or wrong – you must do what is right for you with each pregnancy. Don’t let anyone else tell you how you should feel.
Preventing After-Abortion Complications:
There are some things women can do to lower their risks for post-abortion complications. The first way to reduce complications is to have the abortion early. Generally speaking, the earlier the abortion occurs, the safer.Asking questions about the procedure, what to expect and what to do to prepare, is really important.
Any woman choosing to have an abortion should:
Find a good clinic or qualified practitioner
Tell the practitioner about any medical problems, usage of current medications or street drugs, medication allergies and all other health information
Follow post-operative instructions
Return for a follow-up exam
Later-Term Abortions: Because earlier abortions are less complicated, they are typically safer than later-term abortions. It is important that any woman seeking an abortion do so as soon as possible. However, there are compelling reasons that a woman would have a later-term abortion.
Undiagnosed Pregnancy – due to various reasons, many women do not realize they are pregnant until the pregnancy is advanced.
Maternal Medical Complications – pregnant women, like anyone else, are susceptible to cancer, heart disease, depression, and other serious health problems. Treatments, vital to the survival of the mother, may be ceased if a woman is pregnant.
Tragic Events – while a pregnancy may have been well-planned or eagerly anticipated, tragedy – such as a debilitating disease, car wreck, job loss, or natural disaster – may lead a woman to believe that it is the wrong time to have a baby.
Severe Fetal Abnormalities – through routine prenatal testing, it may be discovered that a fetus has severe abnormalities – anencephaly, severe metabolic disorder, or other severe abnormalities – that may lead a woman to decide it is better to terminate a pregnancy than to allow a child to suffer and die in infancy.
Lack of Money – many women, due to economic circumstances, cannot afford to pay for a first trimester abortion and must save up to obtain a later term abortion.
Emotional Issues After an Abortion:
While most people feel relief after having an abortion, it’s completely normal to feel other emotions, too. Women choose to have abortions for many reasons, but generally it is because pregnancy is, at that time, wrong for them. Even if abortion were the best option for the woman, it’s normal for emotions, post-abortion, to be all over the place. Many women feel regret, shame, guilt, sadness and anger.
Some women feel comforted by talking to a friend, family member or counselor about their abortion. Feelings of loss resulting from a lack of support by someone close shouldn’t be confused with regret about having an abortion. Most women, while having many conflicting emotions, report that their feelings are manageable.
If you are feeling any of these emotions and find them interfering with your ability to carry on your daily duties, please seek help from a doctor or therapist. You can also contact Exhale, an after-abortion talk-line.
How Much Does An Abortion Cost?
The cost of abortions at health centers ranges from about $350 to $950 (costs vary depending upon how far along you are and what clinic you go to) for a first-trimester abortion. The cost is generally higher for a second-trimester abortion. Hospital abortions tend to cost more.
Most insurance companies offer some benefit for elective abortions. Contact your insurance provider for details. Insurance is covered by Medicaid generally only in instances of life-endangerment, rape, and child sexual abuse.Check with your state. The military only covers elective abortions in the case of life-endangerment.
Contact the National Abortion Federation to see if you qualify for a loan or financial assistance for an elective abortion: 1-800-772-9100
How Do I Find An Abortion Provider?
You can call National Abortion Federation at call 1-877-257-0012
Planned Parenthood also has an abortion clinic locator with over 800 locations around the country.
Abortion Hotlines:
Exhale is an after-abortion talk-line that serves women who have abortions and their partners, friends, and family. They respect all various cultural, social, and religious beliefs.
1-866-4 EXHALE
(1-866-439–4253)
National Abortion Federation: For unbiased information about abortion and other resources, including financial assistance, call toll-free: 1-800-772-9100
National Abortion Federation Abortion Provider Finder: 1-877-257-0012
Additional Abortion Resources:
Planned Parenthood is the leading source for abortion and reproductive health information.
Exhale is an after-abortion support site. It’s confidential and serves those who have had abortions or their friends, families, and partners.
National Abortion Federation: The National Abortion Federation (NAF) is the professional association of abortion providers in North America. They believe that women should be trusted to make private medical decisions in consultation with their health care providers. NAF currently offers quality training and services to abortion providers and unbiased information and referral services to women.
While it may not seem like it, abortions are common in the United States, with an average of 3 out of 10 women having had an by age 45. There are two types: the abortion pill (also known as a medical abortion) and a surgical abortion. Women can take the abortion pill up until they reach 10 weeks of pregnancy. Beyond 10 weeks, a surgical abortion remains an option. Whether you undergo a surgical abortion or take the abortion pill, it’s important to take care of yourself and acknowledge your feelings following the procedure.
Abortion Trauma is the emotional effects that can be experienced by both men and women after an abortion due to unresolved physical, psychological, and spiritual aspects of the abortion. There is a huge lack of understanding and compassion for women who have experienced this sort of >trauma. Because abortion is legal in many countries, and so many women profess to be grateful for the procedure’s availability, the potential for trauma and distress afterward is not recognized as valid.
Society blames the woman for causing her own pain in choosing to abort, which invalidates her emotions, and increases the emotional trauma. People may react unkindly to the news that a friend, partner, parent, or child has had an abortion, which further increases the post-abortion isolation. She may be told that she is weak, wrong, or misguided to come to terms with her feelings with the abortion.
What Makes An Abortion Traumatic?
If the abortion is forced or chosen under duress due to external factors (boyfriend, parent, friend), the woman may emotional trauma. Occasionally, an abortion is truly forced on a woman (by a doctor, friend, parent, or the father of the baby): this is always illegal. No matter the circumstance or age of the woman, it is always a woman’s choice to abort.
If a woman has a history of depression, anxiety, or sexual abuse, the likelihood of trauma associated with the abortion process increases exponentially.
If the woman has little-to-no support from friends, family, and loved ones, this may amplify her feelings of trauma, isolation, and guilt. This is especially true when the woman has already faced scorn or lack of support from loved ones.
Most women seeking abortions choose a medical abortion (performed in a doctor’s office) or at home using the RU-486 as this pill is sold over the counter in the US. Women who opt to use RU-486 often have increased emotional trauma associated with the abortion process as these women may see the products of conception and deal with this very painful procedure in pain, and alone.
What is Post-Abortion Stress Syndrome (PASS)?
While not all women experience emotional trauma after an abortion, there are many who are left with feelings of guilt, grief, shame, and regret. Living through the process of making the decision to have an abortion, experiencing the abortion procedure, and dealing with the pain and possible regret following the abortion can be very traumatic. Just like other trauma, women tend to belittle what happened and ignore the emotional pain that can result. Many women don’t recognize that their distress is related to their abortion. But memories do eventually resurface, and the significance of their loss can’t be denied any longer.
If a woman has experiencing severe emotional reactions after an abortion, this is sometimes called Post Abortion Syndrome or Post Abortion Stress Syndrome (PASS), an informal type of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. A soul wound like this affects different people differently, the abortion may come to mind over and over, it may be out of mind – which can dull the pain. A woman who experiences a soul wound may suffer from “triggers” which are sights, sounds, smells, feelings, and memories that may arise when a woman is reminded of her abortion. Some women do report nightmares of the abortion. If a woman attempt to suppress their grief, it is called emotional toxicity, and her feelings grief will emerge in daily life as anger, anxiety, depression, or difficult relationship.
Many people don’t even recognize that their depression stems from a traumatic abortion. These feelings may take over 15 years to manifest. Some of the symptoms of Post-Abortion Stress Syndrome (PASS) may occur immediately following the abortion, and others may occur later or not at all.
Guilt – if a post-abortion woman believes she consented to the death of her baby, before or after the abortion, her feelings of guilt can be relentless.
Self-blame refers to an post-abortive women who believes that any unpleasant event that occurs as a direct result of punishment for killing her child. Many women who have had abortions only to lose a planned baby due to miscarriage may feel that this is “punishment” or believe that she may have been rendered infertile due to the abortion.
Anxiety refers to the battle between compromising a woman’s moral standards and her decision to have an abortion may actually stimulate much anxiety. She may not link the anxiety to her abortion, yet may unconsciously avoid anything having to do with babies, avoiding people with children, turning anxious at the thought of having to walk near a baby aisle in the store. She may be uncomfortably anxious when she thinks about pregnancy or when a loved becomes pregnant.
Psychological Numbing – A great deal of post-abortive women vow they will never be in such a vulnerable position again. Often, without conscious thought, they will work to keep their emotions in check to prevent themselves from experiencing pain. This interferes with their ability to create and maintain close relationships.
Depression and Suicidal Thoughts – the following forms of depression are common in women who have had an abortion:
Sadness
Sudden, uncontrollable crying without a reason.
Deterioration of self-concept.
Lack of motivation.
Disruption of interpersonal relationships are quite common in the woman’s relationship with her partner, especially if the partner was involved with making the abortion decision.
Suicidal thoughts/preoccupation with death: In a study by the Elliot Institute, 1/3 of the women who had had abortions became so depressed that claimed “they would rather die than go on.”
Reliving The Abortion – Very common, sudden distressing and recurring “flashbacks” of the events surrounding the abortion during situations that resemble the abortion, like a gynecological exam or hearing a vacuum cleaner. These flashbacks may become recurring nightmares about babies.
Preoccupation With Becoming Pregnant Again – Many women who have had abortions become pregnant again within a year, while others want to conceive again as soon as possible. This new baby is sometimes referred to as an “atonement baby.”
Anxiety Over Conception and Bearing Children – many post-abortion women fear they will never become pregnant again or carry a baby to term. Some women expect to have children with disabilities because they believe they have “disqualified” themselves as good mothers. Many women refer to this fear as a “Punishment from God.”
Interruption of Bonding With Present and/or Future Children – a woman who has experienced an abortion may not allow herself to form a bond with her subsequent children for fear of another loss. Another post-abortion reaction is to “atone” for the abortion by becoming the perfect mother. Women who have children at the time of their abortion may view their children differently. Sometimes, these women devalue their living children: “You were the lucky one. You were allowed to live.” Conversely, women may become overprotective of their children.
Survivors Guilt – Generally, women do not abort for trivial reasons. While the abortion frees the woman from her current trauma, it may cause unrelenting guilt for choosing her comfort over her baby’s life.
Eating Disorders – some women develop eating disorders as a way of coping with the loss.
Alcohol and Drug Abuse – often begins as a form of self-medication, a coping mechanism, sadly leading to other problems such as addiction.
Other Self-Punishing and Self-Degrading Behaviors – a post-abortion woman may enter abusive relationships, become promiscuous, or refuse medical care. She may also deliberately hurt herself emotionally and/or physically.
Brief Reactive Psychosis – rarely, a post-abortive woman may experience a brief psychotic episode after the abortion.
How Do I Help My Loved One Get Through An Abortion?
Many women report that there are things that can help them overcome their abortion; things that make it easier to cope with such a loss. These may include:
Respect her privacy and don’t share the news with others
Be with her in her space – but be mindful not to hover or ignore her
Try to comfort her physically if you don’t have the words
Be physically there with her
Choose words and tones that let her know that you’re not going to be someone who judges her
Let her know that she doesn’t have to temper her emotions, thoughts, feelings, and reactions in front of you
Avoid judging her abortion as either “good” or “bad” as her emotions may be all over the place
Accept her feelings no matter how strongly you feel yourself about the topic. Allow her to bring up what she wants to say in the words she chooses.
Things You Can Do For Your Loved One:
Encourage her to get proper sleep, rest, and to eat healthy foods – it can be extremely hard for a woman post-abortion to muster any care about and for herself – especially if she has conflicting fillings about the abortion
Offer to run errands for her
Invite her to events – even if they’re child-themed (such as a birthday party or a baby shower). It is her choice as to whether or not she wants to attend
Offer to watch her other children (if she has others)
If she asks, help her commemorate the child she lost
Get her help if her depression worsens or she begins to have suicidal thoughts
OptionLine – provides a nice, non-biased website that provides information for women who have become pregnant and/or want an abortion. The site includes an online chat platform for those looking to talk and a hotline listed above.
Our Bodies, Ourselves (website) – a website devoted to women’s health, this page is devoted to the physical aspects of abortion procedure, including physical (only) after-care instructions.
Planned Parenthood – offers up-to-date medical information regarding abortion, the types of abortion, and what to expect during and after an abortion.
