A miscarriage can feel like a devastating shock to your reality. One moment, you are filled with joy and anticipation about the new life growing inside you. Plans are being made, and your future feels magical. Then, suddenly, everything changes. This heartbreaking turn of events is challenging to process and often plunges you into a state of deep distress.
Your emotions might swing between shock, disappointment, self-blame, resentment, despair, and shame. It’s natural to want to withdraw from the world and take time to tend to your mind, body, and spirit. You may find yourself wondering what to do next and if you will ever feel normal again. This is a time that undeniably requires plenty of healing.
What is a Miscarriage?
A miscarriage is the loss of a pregnancy within the first 20 weeks of gestation. The trauma of a miscarriage can shatter your sense of trust and provoke feelings of anger and guilt. You may find yourself questioning if you did something wrong and, if not, why this happened to you and your baby. It’s important to know that as many as 1 in 3 people who experience a miscarriage exhibit symptoms and meet the criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
How to Heal After a Miscarriage
There is no simple formula to follow, as every person is different, and so are the circumstances of each pregnancy. However, here are a few tips that can help:
Don’t Stop Your Self-Care
Learning that you were pregnant likely inspired an increase in self-care. Continue these daily rituals, as they can be just as helpful in the recovery process. Keep in mind:
- Healthy eating choices
- Consistent sleep patterns
- Exercise and physical activity
- Staying in touch with social support and positive people in your life
- Stress management and relaxation techniques
Remember That You Can Keep Trying
Generally speaking, a person who experiences a miscarriage has an 85 percent chance of having a healthy pregnancy next time. As painful as pregnancy loss can be, it doesn’t mean it will happen again. And if it does, there is hope and options. It may feel daunting to consider, but you have the capacity to work through it.
Create Rituals to Honour the Loss
Mark the anniversary of your loss in a way that feels right for you. Such rituals can provide some solace even as you continue to heal with each passing year.
Plan on Smiling and Laughing Again
Grief is a tricky ride. In the midst of such sorrow, it can feel impossible to imagine feeling normal again. However, you can heal and thrive once more. The lost pregnancy will not be forgotten, but you will find ways to honour it as you move forward. Be patient with yourself and embrace the healing process without feeling pressured to meet anyone’s timetable.
Therapy Can Be Indispensable
Regardless of what anyone else thinks, a miscarriage involves the tragic loss of your child and can provoke strong, complicated emotions. Working with an experienced mental health professional can help you avoid falling into the trap of blaming yourself and guide you toward healing from grief and loss.
You don’t have to live with resentment or feel stuck in your mourning. Regular sessions with a therapist can help guide you to a place of acceptance and peace of mind.
Reach out to Onyx, and let’s get started on supporting you through the emotions and towards healing and wellness.
