4. Do you tend to look at life in terms of "before" and "after" the abortion(s)? Are there traits about your "self" before the abortion that you lost but would wish to regain? Has the abortion changed the way you look at yourself? Have you lost interest in taking care of yourself? Have you tried to become less attractive to avoid the risk of becoming involved in a relationship, love, and sex?
5. Do you become angry or depressed more easily?
Have you experienced "reconnectors" to your abortion, such as nightmares, flashbacks, or hallucinations, such as hearing a baby cry?
6. Was there a period after your abortion when you experienced an increase in the use of alcohol or drugs? Have you experienced other forms of emotional deadening? Have you experienced any suicidal thoughts? Do you take risks that put your life in danger? Have you developed any eating disorders?
7. Do you have trouble finding, building, or maintaining good relationships with people of the opposite sex? Do you have trouble with issues of trust and control? Do you get involved in hurtful or abusive relationships? Do you tolerate abuse because you feel you don't deserve any better?
If you have answered yes to three or more of the previous questions, post-abortion counseling may help. Skilled and understanding people, many of whom have been through the same things you are going through now, want to help.
[Elliot Institute, 11Oct04, www.afterabortion.info/healing/index.htm]
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The Decline of Partner Relationships in the Aftermath of Abortion, Winter 2007, vol 20, no 1, Association for Interdisciplinary Research in Values and Social Changehttp://www.abortionresearch.us/images/Vol20No1–2007.pdf