Guilt is a heavy emotion, and if left unchecked, it can easily spiral into something deeper—depression. For many women who have experienced abortion, guilt is at the root of the sadness, exhaustion, and hopelessness they may feel long after the procedure.
I know this because I’ve lived it.
A few years ago, I was pregnant with my son, and instead of feeling joy, I felt fear and despair. I was weighed down by guilt—guilt for getting to experience bringing another beautiful gift into this world when I had done something so horrible in the past, guilt for believing I didn’t deserve to be a mom, guilt for my past abortion. That guilt led me into a dark place: I struggled to care for myself, isolated from others, and hid how broken I was inside. Looking back, I see now that guilt was the driving force behind my depression.
So why does guilt so often lead to depression after abortion?
1. Guilt turns into shame.
Shame is guilt on a deeper level—it becomes part of our identity. Instead of saying, “I did something wrong,” shame tells us, “I am wrong.” Shame makes us believe we’re unworthy of love, community, and healing.
2. Shame fuels isolation.
When we don’t want others to know our secret, we withdraw. We avoid friendships, stop showing up to church, and convince ourselves that being a “homebody” is enough. But God created us for community. Galatians 6:2 reminds us to “bear one another’s burdens.” Isolation only deepens the darkness.
3. Isolation breeds anxiety.
When we don’t have others walking with us, our fears and uncertainties multiply. Anxiety creeps in—especially about where we stand with God—and that anxiety often leads us into an even deeper spiral.
4. Anxiety can lead to depression.
Depression shows up in many ways: exhaustion, loss of interest, hopelessness, or even neglect of basic needs like eating, sleeping, or hygiene. It’s not something we can simply “snap out of.” Healing requires getting to the root of our pain, addressing the guilt that started the cycle, and inviting God into those broken places.
How to Break Free
The good news is that there is hope. God offers forgiveness and freedom, no matter your past. You don’t have to carry guilt or stay in the cycle of shame, isolation, and depression. Healing happens when we:
- Repent and receive God’s forgiveness
- Lean into His Word and promises
- Step back into a safe, Christ-centered community
- Seek professional help and accountability when needed
If this resonates with you, I want to invite you into a space designed just for your healing. My Abortion Recovery Roadmap Group Coaching Program is a 12-week journey where you’ll find biblical truth, community, and practical tools to break free from guilt and step into God’s peace.
Enrollment is open now, and we start September 23rd! You’ll also receive over $700 in bonuses, including 1:1 coaching calls, a “Share Your Story” training, and a post-program check-in call.
👉 Learn more and enroll here: brittanypoppe.com/roadmap
Friend, depression does not have to define your story. Guilt is not your identity. Healing and freedom in Christ are possible—and they can be yours today.
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