Strong reproductive rights protections are crucial for the health and well-being of all. But at the moment, reproductive rights for women are being rolled back across the country. Perhaps you’ve experienced a traumatic situation related to reproductive rights.
You may have experienced lackluster care in a medical setting. Perhaps you were denied the care that you desperately needed while struggling with your reproductive health.
Maybe you’ve had a hard time getting affordable access to the birth control you need, leaving you stressed about family planning and your future. Or maybe you had to make the painful decision to end a pregnancy and found that no one in your life truly understood what you were going through.
With reproductive rights featured prominently in today’s headlines, you might feel like you’re trying to heal a wound that is constantly being picked open. Here’s how to cope with reproductive rights trauma in these challenging times.
Step Away From Distressing Relationships
Do you have people in your life who dismiss your lived experiences and deeply held opinions regarding your reproductive rights? It may be time to reconsider these relationships.
This does not mean immediately cutting off all of your friends with differing opinions or experiences. But what if some of your friends or relatives are unable to empathize with you? You may need to take a step back for the sake of your mental health.
Focus on Concrete Actions
Taking action is one of the best remedies for stress and anxiety. If you feel ready, you may want to find out how you can get involved with reproductive rights activism in your area.
Chances are, there are organizations that could use your help. They will be grateful to have another set of hands on deck.
Talk to Your Doctor
Perhaps you’re worried about dealing with another traumatic situation related to your reproductive rights, especially if legal protections for women have been eliminated or are under threat in your area. Talk to a doctor who supports strong reproductive rights about your healthcare options.
Learning more about your reproductive system and figuring out which form of birth control is right for you can help you gain agency.
Practice Self-Care
It’s true that self-care won’t fix the reproductive rights situation in this country. But no matter the political situation, you deserve to feel nourished, well-rested, and whole. Even if you want to stay informed on new reproductive rights developments, you owe it to yourself to make the most of your downtime.
If you’re constantly keyed up and engaged with frustrating news, you won’t be able to focus on healing your trauma and rebuilding your life. Cooking healthy meals for yourself, getting enough sleep, reading good books, doing yoga or trying other forms of exercise, and going for long walks with friends are all great forms of self-care.
Work With a Therapist
If you’re dealing with trauma, you might feel ashamed to open up to someone about what you went through. But trying to heal from trauma on your own will likely prolong your suffering. Instead, find a therapist who will respect your experiences and perspectives regarding reproductive rights.
In therapy, you’ll be able to share whatever is on your mind without facing judgment. You can open up about thoughts that you wouldn’t necessarily feel comfortable sharing with your social circle. Your therapist can provide you with the tools you need for long-term healing.
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Are you struggling to cope with trauma related to a reproductive rights issue? Talking to a therapist can help. Reach out to us today to discuss your options for scheduling your first session for women’s counseling.