Grace Campbell says she slipped into severe depression after abortion

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Grace Campbell recently shared her experiences with having an abortion last year and the impact it had on her both physically and emotionally. She opened up about how the experience left her dealing with severe depression for an extended period.

The comedian discussed in a piece for The Guardian about how she found out about her pregnancy. She expressed how she was not ready for it and struggled with the choice of having an abortion.

"I was deeply confused," she penned. "I had always believed that I would have no second thoughts about opting for an abortion."

I never considered having a baby because I was preoccupied with acting childish. However, as I approach 30, I found myself struggling with the idea of saying "I'll terminate the pregnancy." The thought of making a permanent choice scared me, and I realized I wished I had more time to think about it.

Campbell stated that she fell into a state of depression following the procedure which caught her off guard and for which she was not ready.

She recounted, "The physician informed me that I would experience cramping and bleeding for a few days, and then the situation would be concluded."

He didn't mention that I could have a prolonged bleeding period. It lasted for several weeks, and each time I visited the restroom, I noticed bloody clots of tissue.

Campbell added that the individual failed to inform her that she might encounter a level of depression she never before experienced, and that she would undergo a significant hormonal drop that surpasses her previous comedown from Bestival in 2014.

According to her, the doctor displayed the developing embryo on the monitor and provided her with medication, but failed to inform her of the emotional aftermath. She explained that she experienced overwhelming feelings of culpability for relinquishing something that belonged to her. Subsequently, she experienced shame for feeling guilty, as if it dishonoured the efforts of women who fought for her right to choose.

Campbell frequently incorporates her personal experiences into her stand-up comedy performances. Additionally, she discussed her support for the pro-choice movement and the current surge in legislation and actions against abortion.

She clearly expressed her support for the freedom of choice.

I feel fortunate to reside in a location where I can easily obtain an abortion without fear of being charged with a crime. It's alarming to see that many states in America are passing laws to prohibit abortions, and in the UK, more women are being prosecuted for having abortions after the 24-week timeframe. Additionally, it's concerning to see an increase in far-right politicians voicing their opposition to a woman's right to choose.

According to Campbell, she was apprehensive while expressing her sorrow regarding her choice to have an abortion. Furthermore, the ease with which she could undergo the procedure while other women in different parts of the world could not exacerbated her mixed emotions.

Writing this makes me feel anxious. I am concerned that expressing my thoughts could be disappointing to women. It is evident in the upcoming American elections that we are facing dominant and forceful men who are attempting to restrict our fundamental right to make our own decisions.

Last year, Campbell had a conversation with The Independent about crafting her own unique identity that is not associated with her father. Her father is a well-known journalist, author, and broadcaster, who was part of Tony Blair's communication squad when Blair held the prime minister position. She shared how she is integrating this personal identity into her day-to-day routines.

"When I began my career in comedy, I wanted to make sure that my style was unique and not similar to my father's," she explained. "So, I decided to focus on sexuality and relationships to attract my fan base and establish myself."

During the interview, Campbell also discussed her podcast titled "28 Dates Later", where she embarked on 28 dates within a span of 60 days. The subsequent episode of the podcast involved her recording and examining the outcomes of these dates.

Campbell expressed that using dating apps made her contemplate the larger meaning behind it. She felt that it decreased the significance of going on dates, as it made her view them as a commodity. This was already a confusing topic for her, given how much she discusses it in her comedy routines.

If you're struggling to deal with difficult emotions and need help, there are several ways to reach out for support. The Samaritans offer a confidential service where you can speak to someone about what you're going through by calling 116 123 in the UK and ROI or emailing [email protected]. You can also visit the Samaritans website and use their branch locator to find the nearest support center. In the US, you can get help from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 or visiting their online chat service at 988lifeline.org. This service is available 24/7, and it's completely free and confidential. If you're in a different country, you can find a helpline near you by visiting www.befrienders.org.