How sharing the trauma of your abortion experience can help you heal
“For I know the plans I have for you, “declares the Lord,” plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”- Jeremiah 29:11
First, let’s define what trauma means. According to the American Psychology Association, trauma is an emotional response to a terrible event. Immediately after the event, shock and denial are typical. Longer term reactions include unpredictable emotions, flashbacks, strained relationships that can develop into PTSD, and even physical symptoms like headaches or nausea.
A lot of times, we want to pretend or try and forget the emotional injury didn’t occur but the fact of the matter is that it did and the damage is there.
Trauma happens person-to-person, much of healing also happens person-to-person. Talking about the trauma you experienced from your abortion can help further your recovery and bring on relief faster.
Sharing your testimony, whether it is through heart-to -heart conversations, lengthy discussions, or sharing your story through written word, can break down the barriers and you can begin to open up about your abortion experience allowing you to take the power away from your traumatic experience and give it back to yourself.
Not speaking about it and staying quiet can create and continue negative consequences like depression, anxiety, guilt, nightmares, and PTSD. Not talking about it does not make it go away, it will only continue the symptoms you may be suffering from.
Opening up about your experience can take great strength but it will also give you great strength. You will find that you are not alone. That there are many more men and women who share the same hurt after their own abortions. Talking about it is key to healing from it. Once you have experienced healing, you can go on to help others heal and build up the Kingdom of God. https://centerstone.org/talking-about-trauma/
If you are ready to share your testimony to continue your healing process or help someone else along their healing journey, then join us for ReStory. ReStory is a six-week bible study that is only open to past abortion recovery participants. If you have been through one of our abortion recovery weekends or an abortion recovery weekly study, this class is for you! Call us at (903) 944-7852 or email us at careteaminfo@yahoo.com for more information!
Many Blessings,
Kara LeBlanc
