This post is for informational purposes only and should not be used in place of the advice of a medical professional.  

Depression After Surgery

LivingYourSeniorLife is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Experiencing symptoms of depression after surgery, such as feelings of sadness or hopelessness, is more common than many might think. This is often referred to as postoperative depression and can occur despite a successful surgery. Various factors, such as pain medications, physical changes, and emotional stress, can contribute to these feelings during the recovery process.

Understanding that post-surgery depression is a normal part of the healing process is crucial. It’s important to recognize the symptoms of depression, such as loss of interest in activities, mood swings, or fatigue. Seeking help from a healthcare provider and leaning on support groups or family members can greatly aid in improving your quality of life during the recovery period. Taking care of yourself with a balanced diet, enough sleep, and staying active can also support your mental and physical health, promoting a smoother recovery.

Key Takeaways

If you or someone you know is experiencing depression after surgery, it’s important to seek help and support. Here are some key takeaways to keep in mind:

  • Feeling depressed after surgery is a common issue that can affect anyone, regardless of age or gender.
  • Symptoms of depression after surgery may include feelings of sadness, feelings of hopelessness, fatigue, and loss of interest in activities.
  • It’s important to talk to your healthcare professional if you are experiencing symptoms of depression after surgery, as they may be able to provide treatment or refer you to a mental health professional.
  • Treatment options for depression after surgery may include medication, therapy, or a combination of both.
  • It’s important to take care of yourself while recovering from surgery, including getting enough rest, eating a healthy diet, and staying active.
  • Support from friends and family can also be helpful in managing depression after surgery. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help and support when you need it.

Remember, depression after surgery is a treatable condition. With the right support and treatment, you can start feeling better and get back to enjoying your life.

Video: Depression After Surgery

YouTube player

Reasons that Contribute to Depression After Surgery

Depression After Surgery - Why

The risk of postoperative depression can be attributed to various factors. Emotional stress during the surgical procedure and recovery period is significant. You may experience anxiety and depressive symptoms due to physical limitations during the healing process. The effects of general anesthesia and pain medications can also lead to post-surgery depression. Physical changes and body image issues after certain types of surgery, such as plastic surgery procedures, can affect mental health.

Patients with a history of depression or other mental health issues may have a higher risk of experiencing depression after surgery. Chronic pain, post-operative pain, and other post-surgical complications can worsen emotional states. 

Support groupsfamily support, and consulting a mental health provider or healthcare professional can help manage depressive symptoms and improve the quality of life during recovery. By maintaining a balanced diet, physical therapy, and healthy routines, you can enhance your recovery process and energy levels.

Overall, while depression after surgery is a common occurrence, it is important for patients to take steps to manage their mental health and seek support if needed. By being aware of the potential risk and taking proactive steps, patients can improve their overall recovery and well-being.

Anxiety

Depression After Surgery - Anxiety

Another issue you might wrestle with following surgery is anxiety. Anxiety is a close relative, if you will, of depression. Anxiety is more than just feeling nervous or worried. It can cause physical symptoms such as racing heart, sweating, trembling, nausea, and shortness of breath.

Anxiety can arise from a variety of sources, including concerns about the surgery itself, worries about complications, fear of the unknown, and what seems like never-ending questions swirling around in your head.

Who’s going to pay my bills? When will I get back to work (to be able to pay the bills)? Will my health insurance pay for the surgery? What happens if something happens to me when no one is here to help? And if you let your mind continue down the path of anxiety, you can come up with so many “what if” scenarios. Again, be assured that many people have these types of anxious feelings following surgery.

These are common concerns after surgery, and they can vary in intensity and duration. However, sometimes these emotions and thoughts can become overwhelming and persistent. They can interfere with your daily functioning and well-being.

If you think you may have depression or anxiety after surgery, do not ignore it or suffer in silence. Talk to your doctor or a mental health specialist as soon as possible. They can assess your situation and offer you an effective treatment plan and support. You deserve to heal both physically and mentally after surgery.

Some Surgeries Have A Higher Risk of Depression

Certain types of surgery come with a higher chance of experiencing postoperative depression. Procedures like heart surgeryspinal surgery, and bariatric surgery are linked to heightened depression symptoms during the recovery process. In one study it was found women undergoing a mastectomy for breast cancer often experience depression symptoms more frequently compared to those who haven’t had such surgery.

Recognizing these risk factors can be crucial for managing your mental health after a surgical procedure. It’s beneficial to seek professional help, maintain a healthy diet, join support groups, and ensure you have a strong support system. These steps can greatly aid in your recovery.

Signs of Depression 

Depression After Surgery - Woman Depressed

Depression is a serious mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It can cause a range of symptoms that can impact your daily life. Here are some common signs of depression:

  • Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities or hobbies
  • Feeling sad or hopeless
  • Irritability and restlessness
  • Increase or Loss of Appetite
  • Changes in appetite (eating more or less than usual)
  • Difficulty sleeping or excessive sleeping
  • Fatigue or lack of energy
  • Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
  • Difficulty making decisions
  • Thoughts of suicide or hurting oneself or others

It’s important to note that not everyone with depression will experience all of these symptoms. Some people may only have a few, while others may have many. Be assured, in most cases, as you move along in your recovery process, these very signs and feelings should begin to shift.

How is that? As you pain lessons, as you’re able to sleep better, as you can do more for yourself, as you get back to your normal activities, your feelings of postoperative depression and that cloud of darkness should start to lift.

If you notice these depressive symptoms, reaching out for help is crucial. Talking to a healthcare provider or joining support groups can provide the emotional support needed during the recovery period. Engaging in healthy routines, like maintaining a balanced diet and getting enough sleep, can also aid in easing these symptoms. Remember, depression is a treatable condition, and with the right support and treatment plan, your mental health can see significant improvement.

Ways to Help Yourself

So, you’ve identified that you have depression symptoms after surgery, or perhaps you are being flooded with anxiety – what can you do to begin to feel better?

Nutrition

Nutrition

Eating a balanced diet is essential for improving your mood and energy levels, especially after a surgical procedure. Aim to cut down on sugar as it can cause fluctuations in mood. Reducing your intake of processed foods can also help your body recover more efficiently. Processed foods include items like hot dogs, frozen dinners, and bacon.

Protein is crucial for muscle repair and growth, so include enough in your diet. Make sure you are drinking enough water as well. A good target is to drink half your body weight in ounces of water daily. For example, if you weigh 200 lbs, aim to drink 100 oz of water each day. Staying hydrated helps your body function properly, from your kidneys to your brain.

Not drinking enough water can cause dehydration, and your body may not function as it sure, from your kidneys to your brain, so get that water in.

Sleep

Adequate sleep is vital during the recovery period. Post-surgical pain can make it difficult to sleep, and medications might disrupt your sleep pattern. Taking naps during the day can help make up for fragmented sleep at night. This time to rest and recover should be seen as vital to your healing process. Don’t underestimate the importance of rest. A regular sleep schedule can improve your overall mood and help in managing common symptoms of post-surgical depression.

Exercise

Walking

Exercise can greatly benefit your mental and physical health. It helps release endorphins, which are natural mood lifters. Always check with your doctor to know when it’s safe to start exercising. Short walks are a good way to begin. As you progress in your recovery, you can add more types of exercise like yoga, biking, or even light weight training. Start slow and gradually increase the intensity to help your body and mind adapt without causing strain.

Medication

Medical Reasons for Hair Loss - Medication

Pain medications are often prescribed after surgery to manage postoperative pain. It’s important to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions regarding dosage and duration. Abruptly stopping these medications can cause withdrawal symptoms.

If you have any concerns, discuss them with your doctor to adjust the treatment plan accordingly. Medication should also be monitored for side effects, especially if they affect your emotional states or contribute to depressive symptoms. If you’re dealing with severe symptoms of post-surgical depression, your doctor might recommend antidepressant medication or therapy sessions with a mental health professional.

A combination of the right medication, enough sleep, a healthy diet, and exercise can significantly improve your quality of life as you recover from major surgery. Keeping in close contact with your healthcare provider and mental health professional is essential for a smooth recovery process. Support from family members and support groups can also be beneficial during this challenging time.


FAQs

How common is depression after surgery?

Post-surgery depression is quite common and can affect many patients after undergoing a surgical procedure. The occurrence can vary based on the type of surgery, but studies indicate that up to 20% of patients may experience depression symptoms after a surgery experience.

What are the risk factors for developing postoperative depression?

Various factors can raise the chances of developing post-op depression. These include having a history of depression or other mental health issues, a family history of depression, substance abuse, and a lack of social support. Patients undergoing major surgery, such as heart surgery or brain surgery, may also be at higher risk.

What is the outlook for people with postoperative depression?

The recovery process for those with post-surgical depression is generally positive if they receive appropriate treatment. Many people can return to their normal daily tasks and improve their quality of life. It’s crucial to seek help from a healthcare provider or mental health expert early to prevent the worsening of the condition.


Conclusion

Is it normal to feel depressed after surgery? Depression after surgery is not uncommon. So many things are going on with your body after undergoing surgery that it’s surprising that more people don’t experience depression.

If you’ve gone through a surgical procedure and are experiencing symptoms of depression, know that you’re not alone. Postoperative depression can be a common response to the emotional stress and physical changes that come with surgery.

It’s important to recognize the various factors that contribute to post-surgery depression, including the type of surgery, pain medications, and even the recovery process itself.

Seeking help from a healthcare provider or mental health experts can make a difference. Treatments such as physical therapy, a balanced diet, and enough sleep can aid in your recovery period. Maintaining healthy routines and setting realistic goals can help you regain your energy levels and improve your mood.

Support groups and family members can provide emotional support, making it easier to manage your depressive symptoms.

I hope in reading Depression After Surgery: A Common But Treatable Condition, that you’ve found some normalcy in your feelings.

Have you experienced depression after surgery? Comment below with your story or if you have any questions.


Additional Reading

2 Comments

  1. Interesting topic. I haven’t experienced depression after surgery but for the future I will remember what to do. thank you

    1. West,

      Thank you for taking the time to read this article. Depression is often misunderstood and a person may not even realize they are depressed. Hopefully, you will never experience it but if you do know there is help for it.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *