Fear of surgery is common. Once the surgery is over and the patient is on the way to recovery, it is easy to assume that the difficult days are over. While this is often the case, it is not always so. Recovering from major surgery can take time and involve some discomfort. This can, in some cases, lead to the patient suffering from bouts of depression. It is easy to write off these feelings as passing emotions that will fade away as the recovery progresses, but in some cases, they can become a serious problem that can impede the pace and extent of the patient’s recovery. If you or someone you know is feeling depressed after surgery, it is important to understand the condition and know where to get help to deal with it.
The Causes
Most people who experience post-surgery depression do not expect it and do not understand what they are suffering from. Doctors may not warn those who are having surgery about the possibility of suffering from depression. The factors that can cause post-surgery depression include:
The Symptoms
It may not be easy for patients or caregivers to spot the signs of post-surgery depression because they can be confused with the after-effects of the surgery. The common symptoms include:
- Irritability or being short-tempered with others
- Excessive sleeping – this is difficult to notice because patients are advised to rest and sleep after surgery. However, if the duration appears to be abnormal, the doctors should be consulted.
- Loss of interest in activities or issues that were previously of interest
- Unusual fatigue, beyond what is normal after surgery
- Loss of appetite
- Anxiety
- Feelings of hopelessness
If signs of depression appear immediately after surgery, it could be a side-effect of the medication and will typically fade away as the dosage is reduced.
A combination of physical and emotional/mental indications of depression is often a sign of post-surgical depression. When in doubt, consult the doctor, especially if the symptoms last for more than 2 weeks or become worse during that period.
Coping with Post-Surgery Depression
Post-surgery depression is a medical condition like any other and if you or someone you know is suffering from it, accepting the fact is the first step in dealing with it. Once that stage is achieved, overcoming it can commence.
The old saying that “you are what you eat” applies to your emotional health too.
Being aware of the nature of post-surgery depression and how it is best dealt with will allow you to spot the signs early and either take action to overcome the problem or get help in dealing with it.
If your surgery is being performed at a leading multispecialty hospital like New Medical Centre, you can be sure of being treated by the best doctors and world-class surgeons who have access to cutting-edge medical systems and technology. In addition, you will have access to the support infrastructure that will ensure that any post-surgery issues, like depression, receive the kind of understanding and consideration required to overcome them. This will allow you, or a person you care about, to complete the recovery from surgery in the most effective and complete manner and return to a happy, active life.
Depression – Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment
Post-Surgery Depression FAQs: Causes, Symptoms & Recovery Support
- What is post-surgery depression?
Post-surgery depression is a mental health condition where a patient experiences persistent sadness, anxiety, hopelessness, or emotional distress after undergoing surgery. It can affect recovery and overall well-being if not addressed properly. - Is depression after surgery common?
Yes. Post-surgery depression is more common than people realize, especially after major surgeries. Many patients experience emotional lows due to physical pain, limited mobility, medication effects, and recovery stress. - What causes post-surgery depression?
Post-surgery depression can be caused by multiple factors such as: - How soon can post-surgery depression begin?
It may begin immediately after surgery or develop gradually during the recovery period. Early symptoms may sometimes be medication-related and improve as dosages reduce. - What are the common symptoms of post-surgery depression?
Common symptoms include: - How is post-surgery depression different from normal recovery sadness?
Normal recovery sadness is temporary and improves as health improves. Post-surgery depression persists beyond two weeks, worsens over time, and affects daily functioning, emotional health, and recovery progress.