Change is a normal part of life, but why is it that navigating change, especially when it wasn’t our choice, so difficult?
Unexpected Pregnancy
If you’re facing unexpected changes in the midst of your life, like an unexpected or unplanned pregnancy, please reach out to CAPS. No virtual meetings are required – come see us in person. Many of our staff have been just where you are with a pregnancy, and will listen with compassion, not judgment. Be comforted that your feelings are 100% normal and that you’re not alone.
Unexpected Change – Effects & Solutions
With the difficult effects that sometimes come with sudden change, there are always positive solutions and options, support, and help available.
Stress
Change can be stressful, whether expected or unexpected.
- Exercise – In this time when many of our routines have been placed on hold, it’s essential to implement some sense of “normalcy.” If possible, make it a priority to get outside once a day. Our bodies need fresh air, and our mental health benefits from it too. When we exercise, endorphins are released; a chemical that reduces pain, and simulates a sense of overall well-being.
- Smile – Smiling makes us feel good because smiling releases feel-good neurotransmitters, specifically endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine directly combating stress. What makes you smile? If you’re at a loss as to what that is, put on your favorite movie, look on YouTube for a comedy, listen to an upbeat favorite song, or write a list of things that make you laugh or smile. Remember, smiles are contagious. When feeling stressed or depressed it can be hard to smile, but one smile can brighten yours, and someone else’s day.
- Get Connected – Although natural, our own emotional and physical responses to change can be difficult to manage alone. Nicole McGlashen, CAPS Patient Care Specialist Trainer shares, “Seeking out connection with others such as friends, family members, a support group, and or a consultant or counselor can help lighten the load. A conversation may not change the details of our current circumstances, but they can shift our perspective.”
If you don’t know who to call, know that we’re always available – in a private, supportive setting. You can reach us by calling us at 619-337-8080 or schedule an appointment online here. Same-day appointments are often available.
Loneliness
Spending the majority of time at home, unable to go about our normal routine or see the people, we love can be lonely. We were made for relationships, and a sense of community is important to our emotional and mental health.
If you are struggling and not feeling like yourself as of late, please know that you are normal and not alone. You may not be able to go see a friend in person, but you can dial their number, send a text, zoom, or video chat. These days, we have to be creative and even a little courageous to stay afloat. If you’re feeling isolated, please tell someone.
Sense of Loss
With change, whether good or bad, there is a loss of “the way things used to be.” If your best friend moves to another state to pursue her lifelong dream, you’re rooting for her, yet simultaneously mourning the fact that things aren’t going to be the same.
Every year, sometimes every month, it seems like things aren’t the way they used to be. We all have stories as to how our sense of “normalcy” has been impacted, and the things we’ve had to leave behind. Maybe it was the loss of a job, the loss of seeing friends and family, a trip that was planned, or a concert that you were looking forward to. The loss of a hug. Maybe even the loss of a loved one.
Moving from one stage of life to the next involves change. If you find out you’re pregnant and it wasn’t planned, your previous vision for your life may now seem unattainable, creating a sense of loss and lack of direction. At CAPS, we know this form of loss is overwhelming and we are here to provide a listening ear, a compassionate heart, practical resources and preliminary medical care to help navigate your unforeseen season of life. You are not alone.
Worry
There are a lot of unknowns at the moment, and when the future seems uncertain, it’s easy to worry. Many fears stem from what we don’t know.
How do I know if I’m pregnant? What if I am pregnant? What if I had unprotected sex?
If you’re anxious because you think that you’re pregnant, or may have contracted an STD or STI, or have had unprotected sex, a simple pregnancy test and/or an STI / STD test will provide an answer and bring you one step closer to resolving this worry. We understand it requires courage. We will be by your side to encourage you and provide reliable medical information along the way. And, your privacy matters, so your situation will be kept private by us.
Reach Out – We are here for you!
While change isn’t always our choice, our choice today can change the future.
An unexpected or unplanned pregnancy may feel frightening, but we are here to support you through every stage of your pregnancy journey. We want you to know all your options and feel confident and fully supported. As pregnancy options and resource providers / networkers, we will walk with you to places of safety, health, and wholeness so that you feel empowered in each step of your decision-making process.
We recognize that finances may be tight. At CAPS, Pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, and consultation are always Free of charge; and STD/STI tests are offered at little to no cost – no one is turned away due to inability to pay. You can rest assured that your privacy is of utmost importance to us at CAPS.
No matter what choice you make, CAPS will be there for you before, during, and after your pregnancy.
We will help you examine the full range of options (abortion, parenting, adoption) including the variables for each option, so you can make the best choice for your situation.
To get help, contact us at any of the San Diego area clinic locations, call us at 619-337-8080, or schedule an appointment.
