Helping a Friend
What is a friend? A single soul dwelling in two bodies. -Aristotle
True Friendship
The essence of friendship is much deeper and more significant than most of us realize, though we all are searching for it. Many of us depend on it daily. Casual human interaction like that found during a passing period at school or in the break room at work greatly differs from the genuine friendship we need and crave.
True friendship means more than a wave, smile, or courteous "Hello, how are you?" offered in passing. A friend is one who looks out for your best interests and walks with you to help you pursue them. A friend is one who loves you enough to tell you the truth, and one who stands by your side when facing life's more difficult times.
How to Help a Friend Who's Pregnant
We realize that certain visitors to our web site are caring individuals looking to be of greater help to their loved ones or treasured friends. We recommend the following four options for helping a friend who's become aware that she's pregnant:
- offer to come into one of our centers with her for a FREE pregnancy test or sonogram (after 7 weeks);
- call one of our centers and speak with one of our caring and knowledgeable staff;
- chat on-line with one of our caring and knowledgeable staff and ask any questions you or your friend might have;
- get in touch with another of our friends who can offer further help in your particular situation.
Your friend needs you in this time. And she needs us too. Many women lack support from their families and loved ones. In fact, more than 80 percent say they would have completed their pregnancies under better circumstances or with more support from the people they love.
At CPC, we understand that the first days, weeks, even months of pregnancy can produce lots of questions and curiosities; life must begin to make preparations and room for the arrival of a little one. As a friend, you have an awesome opportunity to help your friend start thinking about names, a doctor, finances, or lunch! We have an excellent Earn While You Learn program that helps new parents prepare for the challenges of raising a child. You can introduce your friend to this beneficial program and encourage her to participate and reap the rewards.
Infected?
Also, if you or your friend thinks he or she might have a sexually transmitted infection (STI/STD), simply drop by one of our centers and our experienced staff will complete a full round of tests to determine if you or your friend has been infected. If tests are positive, our medical staff will provide practical steps to move past the anxiety or fear which may arise and explore all of the available options. (Call now to schedule an appointment at either our Glendale or Tempe location.)
Abortion Recovery
If your friend has recently had an abortion, we would love to help her heal from any unrest or pain that typically results from what is called Post Abortion Syndrome (PAS), a variant of Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD). Commonly reported reactions to abortion include:
feelings of guilt, shame, anxiety, helplessness, grief and/or remorse; uncontrollable crying; feelings of anger, bitterness, and resentment; feelings of distrust and betrayal; lowered self-esteem; avoidance of babies, small children, or anything to do with pregnancy; fear of future pregnancies or desire to have a "replacement" baby; flashbacks to the abortion experience; nightmares or sleeping disorders; depression; sexual dysfunction; eating disorders, substance abuse or other self-destructive behavior; broken or abusive relationships; problems bonding with other children; suicidal thoughts or tendencies; and other problems.
Therefore, if you are unsure of the best way to support your girlfriend right now regarding the fear or questions attached to pregnancy or sexual health, we at CPC would love to meet with you and her to talk through your choices. Our counselors are both knowledgeable and caring, and show great sensitivity to the questions and concerns associated with unplanned pregnancy and sexual health. We want to stress we deeply care about your health and your future. We therefore want you to make the very best decisions, and so we are here to give you every possible option, along with all of the information and various outcomes attached to each one.
If you are seeking to support your friend at the beginning of a pregnancy, after an abortion, after a positive STI test, or with any other issued related to unplanned pregnancy or sexual health, please do not hesitate to give us a call or drop in. We would love to supply you with any information that might be useful for both you and your friend.
Be a Friend
It is exactly the type of companionship we regard as "friendship" which makes life great during the good times, and bearable during the bad ones.
Whether or not you share the blessing of close friendship with others, we hope that you will come to consider CPC a friend worth having. It is our desire to walk with you during both the mountain tops and valleys of this season in your life. This is the reason that CPC was established with the same motivations which compel friendship: compassion, support, patience, and strong belief in the exceeding value of others. Your physical and emotional health are therefore of utmost importance to us. The reason, simply, is because we really care about you, and desire your life to be the best and most full and healthy one possible.
More Friends
Additionally, let us introduce you to some of our friends so that together we can find options and hope, as well as much needed rest, from the challenges facing you or your friend.
YoungLife Mentoring Moms program: 480.218.9601
A great resource for young moms!
Domestic Violence Crisis Hotline: 800.799.7233
ValueOptions: 1.800.564.5465
Fresh Start Women's Foundation: 602.252.8494
Phoenix Family Advocacy Center: 602.534.2120
Sexual Assault Recovery Institute: 602.235.9345
Helping friends get out of abusive relationships.
DES Statewide locations: 1.800.352.8401
Helping friends find financial support.
Calvary Rehabilitation Center: 602.279.1468
Substance Abuse Hotline: 1.800.662.4357
St. Luke's Behavioral Health Center: 602.251.8535
Helping friends find freedom from substance abuse-a critical component to carrying a healthy little one to full term.
One thing we know for sure is that you have stumbled upon our site for a reason. We only ask you allow us to serve both you and your friend in anyway we can. Frequently we will help connect men and women with other resources in the community. We are more than happy to provide safe, confidential assistance to any who seek it. Call us today!