Managing Mental Health in a Post Roe America

The overturn of Roe v Wade has altered the lives of countless Americans and triggered widespread feelings of anger, grief, fear and distress. For BIPOC, lower income individuals, and people living in places where the ruling has already taken effect, things seem especially scary. 

Managing mental health right now likely feels impossible. How do you lower anxiety when millions just lost access to a lifesaving human right? How do you prepare for the future without letting fear win? 

There’s no right answer. And there’s no sugar coating the gravity of this moment. But there are ways to ensure we’re looking out for ourselves and others as we process what’s to come.

Get Comfortable with Tough Conversations 

A decision as monumental as this one will radically change how we talk to and support those around us. We must be willing to listen, to have honest discussions, and to speak up. Staying silent perpetuates the stigma around topics like abortion, infant loss, sexual assault, reproductive health and bodily autonomy. Did you know…

• Around 1 in 4 pregnancies end in an abortion every year (source)
• Nearly 1 in 5 women have experienced completed or attempted rape during their lifetime (source)
• Roughly 10-15 in every 100 pregnancies end in miscarriage (source)

Addressing these issues openly and nonjudgmentally removes the shame surrounding them and helps those who are struggling feel less alone.

Need help knowing what to say? 

• Materials for Having Abortion Conversations
• Men’s Role in Advocating for Body Autonomy
• How to Talk to Your Kids About the Supreme Court's Decision to Overturn Roe v. Wade
• Organizations Discuss How to Support Women After Ruling

See How Others Are Processing This Moment

Topics like abortion can feel deeply personal, but no one should have to cope on their own. Reading stories and advice from others can help validate your emotions and provide a sense of community. 

• How You're Feeling Is Okay — How To Cope & Take Action After Roe's Reversal 
• The Fall Of Roe V. Wade Is Frightening, But We've Got To Help Each Other 
• How Overturning Roe vs. Wade Threatens Trauma Survivors 
• How To Manage Stress About the Roe v. Wade Decision 
• How to Practice Self-Care and Actually Take That Mental Health Day 

Know Where to Find Support 

It’s easy to isolate and feel hopeless. But in moments like these, we need to lean on each other, whether that means joining a support group, learning about accessible abortion options, or utilizing crisis support lines. 

• Psychology Today Support Group Directory
• All-Options — All-Options (formerly Backline) uses direct service and social change strategies to promote unconditional, judgment-free support for people in all of their decisions, feelings, and experiences with pregnancy, parenting, abortion, and adoption.
• Connect & Breathe — Connect & Breathe creates safe space to talk about abortion experiences by offering a talkline providing unbiased support and encouragement of self-care. ​
• Reprocare Healthline — Reprocare’s anonymous healthline provides peer-based emotional support, medical information, and referrals to people having an abortion at home with pills.
• Exhale Pro-Voice — Text Exhale Pro-Voice for nonjudgmental after-abortion support.
• Share Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support — Share is a community for anyone who experiences the tragic death of a baby. 

NEED TO TALK NOW?

If you live in the U.S., call 988 for immediate crisis support.



TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF

While it’s important to stay informed, give yourself permission to log off if you’re feeling overwhelmed. 

You don’t have to read every headline or social media post. We can’t make change if we’re constantly burned out.