How Does a Miscarriage Change You? Insights from a Postpartum Therapist
Written by: Melissa Light, LPC, NCC, PMH-C
Experiencing a miscarriage is a profound and deeply personal event that can impact many aspects of a person’s life. As a postpartum therapist at Informed Therapy Group specializing in postpartum therapy and supporting individuals through the emotional aftermath of pregnancy loss, I have witnessed firsthand the range of emotions and shifts that people go through. This journey is unique for everyone, but there are common threads that often weave through the experiences of those who have faced this loss.
The Emotional Whirlwind
The immediate aftermath of a miscarriage can be jarring. On top of caring for your physical health and possibly making difficult decisions about your healthcare, coping with your emotions can add a sense of overwhelm. The grief that many people feel can have layers: You are mourning the loss of a loved one, and you may also be mourning the future you envisioned with your child or how you imagined yourself as a new parent or parent of multiple children.
You may cycle through a wide range of emotions (such as shock, anger, sadness, confusion, and disbelief to name a few). Or you may find yourself swinging between hope and despair, guilt and relief, or even numbness and anguish. You may even feel optimistic about your future and want to get pregnant as soon as possible. While everyone’s experience is unique and it’s common to experience a mix of feelings, it’s important to allow space to notice what you are going through each day. If you ever experience any thoughts of harming yourself or ending your life, please seek help immediately by contacting one of the following:
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988
Texting Crisis Line: Text HOME to 741741
Postpartum Support International: Call 1-800-944-4773 or text “Help” to 800-944-4773
The Impact on Relationships
Miscarriage can also lead to changes in your relationships. Partners might find themselves growing closer or drifting apart, depending on how they each process the grief. Friends and family may offer support, but sometimes their well-meaning words can unintentionally add to your distress. It can also be hard to avoid emotional triggers around friends or family members who are pregnant or postpartum. If you are parenting and grieving, you may find your relationship(s) with your other child(ren) impacted as well. Navigating these relationships while managing personal grief can be challenging. Each person’s experience of grief is valid, and yet it can feel isolated and lonely when you feel you aren’t being supported in the ways you want and need.
Changes to Your View of Self
Some may struggle with feelings of inadequacy or self-blame, questioning whether they did something wrong or if they could have prevented the loss. Some people experience distrust in their bodies after a miscarriage. These feelings can often be compounded by societal pressures or expectations. Which might not always acknowledge the depth of individual grief. Medical terminology used to describe miscarriage (and even the term “miscarriage”) can potentially add to feelings of guilt and shame.
Finding a Path Toward Healing
Healing from a miscarriage is not a linear process. There is no “right way” to feel, and with feelings changing rapidly, they are not an accurate way to measure “progress.” Healing involves acknowledging and honoring the loss. Allowing yourself to grieve, and gradually finding ways to move forward. This journey can involve rediscovering a sense of hope and reimagining the future. In therapy, you get to define “progress” and “meaning.” Therapy can play a crucial role in this process. By providing a safe space to explore feelings, develop coping strategies, and work through the complexities of grief.
Therapy offers more than just a place to talk. It provides a structured environment where individuals can gain insights into their emotions and learn healthy ways to process their experiences. A postpartum therapist can help you cope with emotions, navigate relationships so you are able to give and receive support, and assist you in rebuilding a sense of hope and well-being. It’s a space where you can be heard and understood without judgment. Where you can begin to piece together the aspects of your life that may have felt shattered by the loss.
Support is Available
If you’ve experienced a miscarriage and are finding it difficult to cope, know that healing is a personal journey, and seeking support is a vital part of the process. Therapy can be a transformative experience, providing you with tools and support to navigate your emotions and begin to heal.
Whether you’re wrestling with feelings, struggling to connect with loved ones, or simply need a compassionate ear, consider reaching out to a therapist who specializes in miscarriage and grief. Therapy is a place where you can start to mend, find new strength, and rediscover hope. Connect with an experienced postpartum therapist or call (404) 444-8974. We are here to listen and to help you on your path to healing.
Begin Healing With Postpartum Therapy in Atlanta, GA
If you’re struggling to navigate the emotional aftermath of a miscarriage, postpartum therapy in Atlanta, GA can provide the support and guidance you need. At Informed Therapy Group, our compassionate therapists are here to help you process your feelings and find healing. Start coping with your loss and reclaiming your well-being by following these three simple steps:
- Contact us to schedule an appointment and learn more about our services
- Meet with a caring postpartum therapist
- Find support in healing from your loss.
Other Services Offered with Informed Therapy
At Informed Therapy Group, we know you may be struggling with more than one mental health concern. So, in addition to providing you with support in coping with loss with postpartum therapy, we are also happy to offer therapy for depression, therapy for stress management, and anxiety therapy. We also offer therapy for grief and loss, couples therapy, and pregnancy counseling. To learn more about Informed Therapy read About Us, FAQs, and our blog!
