There is hope, healing, and forgiveness after abortion... Self-Assessment:  How Do I Know I Need Help? 1. How have you changed since your abortion? 2. Do you struggle in relationships? 3. Has your relationship with God changed? 4. Do you hide your abortion or your feelings about it? 5. If someone you knew was considering abortion, what would you tell her now about your experience? 6. Did someone pressure you to have the abortion? 7. Are you fighting a deep sense of sadness and sorrow? 8. Do you fight to keep your emotions (anger, fear, grief) in control? Many women (and men) experience strong emotional effects after an abortion. They may have feelings of sadness, grief, guilt, or loss. These can show up weeks, months, or even years after an abortion. This is called Post-Abortion Stress (PAS). Symptoms of Post Abortion Stress include: • Thoughts of suicide or suicide attempts • Guilt/shame - trying to bury the truth • Emotional numbness – withdrawing • Participating in high risk behaviors (alcohol/drug abuse, eating disorders, promiscuity) • Avoiding baby reminders or failing to bond with subsequent children • Feeling all alone and helpless • Trying to be 'supermom' • Nightmares, fears, inability to make decisions		CPC offers peer counseling and support groups that include a Bible study, “Forgiven and Set Free”, to help you heal from the effects of abortion. Post Abortion Counseling and Education (PACE) groups meet weekly in a confidential, safe, and private setting. Call now for more information or to sign up for the next group.