Trigger warning ⚠️
When you own a business you are “told” directly or indirectly to stay silent on matters of political, religious or socially contentious issues. And this is especially true as a therapist because I don’t want to alienate anyone; I value diversity of human beliefs and I’m trained to keep my countertransference and biases in line.
I can’t stay silent on this.
This post is NOT about rights, legality, religion, what’s right or what’s wrong.
It’s about compassion.
I have sat across from women / those with uteruses who have experienced child bearing losses. Their pain and anguish is profound no matter the circumstances. And what makes matters worse is their grief is hidden. Hidden because there is no acceptable outlet for them. Few, if any, support services exists. Considered a “choice” there’s no room for their grief. Rarely do those they love, and love them, know of their loss because the shame and stigma are profound – even in the face of legalization. In countries where termination is legal, getting access to services is often challenging for those who have resources and nearly insurmountable for those who do not. All because this remains polarizing.
The judgement and shame around pregnancy termination is endless, and so this procedure remains one of our greatest social stigmas. Despite hundreds of thousands of woman in North America who undergo a procedure / termination each year, almost no one openly talks about it. Mothers, sisters, aunties, cousins, friends all suffer in total silence; concealed distress that doesn’t just evaporate after the loss. Post abortion stress syndrome due to the trauma is common because women lack support. Mental health challenges emerge, in part, because of the isolation.
In my books, care for those who experience a silent and concealed grief that fuels shame, fear, anguish, sadness, mixed emotions, numbness, depression, suicidal feelings and hollowness is crucial. I’m committed to compassion above all else.
#counselling #therapy #roevwade #childbearingloss #bccounsellor #grief #loss #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness