MHM Magazine

The healing journey continues Healing from abortion grief is an ongoing process. Abortion is a deeply personal and traumatic experience. It's a journey filled with highs and lows, a rollercoaster of emotions. It leaves you questioning your decisions, your faith and future. But amidst the grief and pain, there is also a glimmer of hope - the hope for healing, for understanding, and for a future filled with love and kindness. 10 months after my abortion, I approached the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) with the intention of starting Whispering Hope, a community for women affected by abortion grief. This group provides a safe space for women to share their feelings, thoughts, and hopes, and to find encouragement and support. This was something I yearned for so much during the early days of my healing process, and now I can see the impact it has had on the women who have found it and committed to their healing too. This, in turn, has been healing for me. We are a group of women healing through the shared experience of abortion. Lessons learned from abortion - grief healing journey I've learned that kindness towards oneself is as crucial as the kindness we extend to others. This journey has also taught me to love myself anew, but in a different light. I had to become the person I needed the most - someone to hold my hand, reassure me, and affirm that it's okay to feel the way I do. I've realised that while therapy and support groups play a vital role in our healing process, it also requires personal effort. It's about showing mercy to oneself, accepting that we are deserving of love, gentleness and forgiveness, regardless of our circumstances. I've learned that it's okay to grieve, to feel and express my emotions, no matter how raw or overwhelming they may be. I've understood the importance of self-forgiveness and realised that it's okay to mourn the life that could have been. Healing, I've discovered, is not a linear process. It's okay to have good days and bad days. This process has taught me that self-love and self-forgiveness are key to navigating through life's lows. If one of your patients could benefit from the Whispering Hope Support Group for abortion grief, please provide them with the following SADAG number where they can receive more information: 0800 21 22 23. References available on request. MHM | 2024 | Volume 11 | Issue 2 | Living With Abortion Grief MHM 38 | MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS | 2024 | Issue 2 H