Pregnancy

What do I do: My girlfriend just told me that she is pregnant

1. You have just gotten some very difficult news. You and your girlfriend have a lot to talk about. It is very important to remember as you talk that both of you will be feeling intense emotions. You will probably be feeling many of the same emotions that she feels.
2. Don’t rush to any decision during this time. The emotions that you are feeling may cloud your judgment and cause you to make decisions that you could regret later.
3. Find a trusted adult that you can confide in. This may be a good time to seek out the help of a teacher, counselor, or minister who will help you sort out what is happening and develop a plan of action.
4. Hopefully you feel free to discuss this with your parents. It is true that they may “freak out” at first, but be patient with them as they adjust to the news like you had to adjust.
5. Running away from the issue may seem like the best strategy and may relieve the pressure for a short time, however your best strategy is to let the news sink in and then begin to work with your girlfriend and trustworthy adults to develop plans for the future.
6. You may be tempted to deal with this stress through the use of substance abuse (drugs/alcohol/smoking). Work hard to resist this temptation. These substances will not make the problem go away and will keep you from addressing the issues. Also be aware that times of stress can increase risky behavior.
7. Call the HopeLine (1-800-394-HOPE) or visit www.dmlive.com to chat with a live person.