Nightmares

I have a friend who is 20 years old.  Two years ago she had an abortion and has had a lot of depression over it.  In the past two months she has started having nightmares about the abortion.  They are so bad it wakes her up in a sweat and racing heart.  The nightmares are worse now; two or three every night.  What should she do to stop them?

[CassCore]

She may need to seek the help of a therapist. She may have unresolved feelings of guilt or pain related to the abortion and needs to talk them out. My sister had an abortion when she was 15. I had horrible guilt and I wasn't even the one who had the abortion, but I was the only one in the family that knew about it. I actually went to councling and it helped me very much. Good luck to your friend. I hope she feels better soon.

[rjbprincess]

She is possibly suffering from PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) and should talk to someone professional as they can help her get rid of them. (I am not a professional but have been through a similar thing)

[mhop111]

she should go see a therapist. please encourage her - two of my friends had abortions in high school and both ended up attempting suicide and had to be institutionalized for a significant period of time. the sooner she talks to someone about it the better off she will be.

[drifter0213]

i attend group therapy and yes counseling too maybe talk to a doctor who can prescribe an anti-depressant if possible also :)