Topic: grief-and-loss

Question: Is being mean and fighting with my boyfriend normal after an abortion?

Answer (from Sherry Katz, LCSWCouples and Family Therapist, LCSW):
It isn't.Being mean and fighting suggest the naturally strong emotions associated with the decision to end a pregnancy.Even the most detailed thought out decision to end a pregnancy, has mixed emotions along with it.Look within for any emotions which are similar to losing someone with whom you feel close.   This may connect your sense of loss to how you may feel now.Also, you and your boyfriend can talk together on the subject of how you each feel about the abortion.  This may start a more connecting dialogue.If either of you do not want to discuss the abortion, then realize the other person may have strong feelings and feelings which are different from each other's to understand, require some quiet time and respect their need to do so.

Answer (from Catherine HodgeLicensed Mental Health Counselor):
Yes, it is completely normal to experience a wide range of emotions after a major loss. Healing can occur in stages. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross proposed the concept of the five stages of grief:Denial - Unable to believe the reality of the loss.Anger - Wanting to blame somebody or something, having thoughts like "this isn't fair!" and "why me?"Bargaining - Hope that you can somehow avoid the cause of grief with a promise to compromise or change.Depression - Feeling sad, discouraged, and/or hopeless.Acceptance - Being able to remember with love rather than pain.The stages are not linear and not everyone experiences all five stages in this order. This 5-stage model is meant to help normalize the grieving process and educate individuals that you have to let yourself feel your way through your grief. It can help to work with a trained professional counselor to guide and support you on your path to healing. ​​

Answer (from Lauren Ostrowski, MA, LPC, NCC, BC-TMH, CCTP, CCHI tailor my therapeutic approach to each client's strengths and goals):
Saying that this is a very emotional time for you would be quite the understatement. I would imagine that there are lots of changes in mood and different emotions that you feel about the abortion itself.Also, there are probably quite a few hormonal changes happening as well.Is your boyfriend able to provide support through this process?There is some information here about some of the changes you may be experiencing as well as a link to a place where you may find support groups: http://psychcentral.com/lib/understanding-abortion-grief-and-the-recovery-process/?all=1 Please realize that if you would like to talk with someone about this, someone is there. There are links at the article above and you can also call a local mental health professional. The link above is meant to link you to some places that are supportive. I would just like to be clear that I respect the decision that you have made and I am looking only to link you to places and people that are supportive of that.