Post-Abortion Syndrome is very much like Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.  Many of the symptoms are the same and overlap each other, affirming what many  post-abortive women already know, having an abortion may be one of the most traumatic events that a person can live through.   It may cause tremendous mental, emotional, spiritual, psychological and often physical pain and discomfort for it's victims, and can have long lasting impact on one's life.

     Following is a list of the symptoms associated with PAS, put a check by the ones that are apparent in your life right now, or in the life of someone close or dear to you:

____Flashbacks or re-enactments of the abortion

____Sad and Depressed Mood

____Frequent crying spells over seemingly "nothing"

____Reduced motivation or energy to get through the day

____Loss of interest in hobbies and/or personal interests

____Poor and deteriorating self esteem and self image

____Disruption in sleep, insomnia

____Suicidal or Homicidal thoughts or plans

____Disrupted Interpersonal Relationships

____Extreme guilt or shame regarding your abortion

____Extreme fears of your secret being revealed

____Guilt that is constant and unrelenting

____Anxiety symptoms including some of the following:

• shakiness
• muscle tension
• nail biting
• nervousness
• shortness of breath, holding breath, can't take deep breaths
• panic attacks
• chest pain or heart palpitations--not related to physical problem

____Psychological numbing

____Nightmares relating to abortion/lost baby themes

____Increased symptoms revolving around the anniversary  of the abortion, or when the birth of your baby was expected

____Preoccupation with being pregnant again/fertility

____Extreme survivor guilt

____Eating disorders (including anorexia--severe limiting of caloric intake and/or excessive exercising, bulimia--binge eating and then forced vomitting to rid body of food, or over-eating and eating when not hungry)

____Alcohol or drug abuse to avoid thinking of the abortion

____Self Punishing behaviors, such as mutilation--cutting oneself, or other destructive behaviors

____Frequent, meaningless sexual activity and/or promiscuity

____Brief Reactive Psychosis--being out of touch with reality, such as having visual or auditory hallucinations

____Difficulty bonding with or interacting with your other children

____Avoidance of pregnancy related events, such as friends or family members that are pregnant, pregnant strangers, baby showers, or maternity wards in hospitals

____Avoidance of vacuum cleaners or noises that remind you of your abortion 

If you would like to print out a copy of the assessment to hold, check and study, you may do so HERE

 Who Is That Girl in the Mirror?

        The list of items above represent the majority of post-abortion syndrome symptoms, however, the list could never be exhaustive, or complete, as the effects of this type of pain are so diverse and personal to each and every individual that is affected by it.

You will need to take a close, honest look at yourself and decide if you feel this is at the heart of your problems, and if you are ready to face this issue head on, in order to begin understanding your choices, and working through the steps to get to the point of finally being able to accept that the abortion is a part of your life.  It was a decision that you made, something that you did,

NOT WHO YOU ARE!

     There is enough here to assist you in recognizing whether or not you have a problem that is broad enough in scope as to require the assistance of a professional counselor to help you work through the necessary steps to return to a more peaceful and productive life.

Oaks Studio Blog

Check out this wonderful video about people who use Art Therapy to heal themselves from/cope with PTSD, it is very inspiring, and something I believe in strongly! 

CLICK HERE:

Do I Have PAS?

      You do not have to have every symptom on this list to have Post-Abortion Syndrome.  If you have three or more of the symptoms listed here, as they relate to a terminated pregnancy,  it is highly probable that you are dealing with this disorder, which should be affirmed by a professional. 

      Now what?  You may be wondering... what does this mean for me?    It means that you have had an abortion, or other serious traumatic event,  which is now causing  you  severe  emotional  and psychological pain. 

      You don't have to continue living in this type of discomfort and pain--there is help here for you, or your loved one.  Until you receive  help,  though,  and identify what the core of your difficulties are, you may continue to suffer seriously as these symptoms are progressive,  usually  getting worse over time.  You may ignore them, hoping they will go away on their own, but that rarely happens.  As you can see from the list, abortion affects every single area of your life, every single relationship that you have, and every single day of your life.

     If you are in pain from an abortion choice, and feel that you are ready to reach out for help at this point, I sincerely hope that you will call me for your  FREE  30-minute consultation.  There is absolutely no obligation, and you will be able to decide for yourself, if you think that I will be able to help you work through this very delicate and painful problem.  I encourage you to give me a call, your journey to healing can start today, right here, right now---I'm looking forward to hearing from you.

 -Kim

 828.403.6477

kimberly.ollis@hushmail.me

or

1kollis1@gmail.com

 

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