Hi jjfinn1123 - Yes, what you're experiencing is normal - in fact this occurs so frequently that there's a name for it - post surgical depression. This sometimes occurs right after surgical procedures while for others this can occur weeks and months later. The level of intensity can range from very mild to severe.
What causes post surgical depression ? According to researchers, patients usually have a fairly good idea of what to expect during surgery, and the surgeries generally go well. After the surgery patients often encounter emotions and experiences that they didn't expect. Many people will experience feelings of loss and vulnerability, as well as start focusing on their own mortality. There may also be uncertainly about the future, or how to communicate with others about what they've gone through and their medical condition. Does any of this describe what you've been thinking and experiencing as you go through your recovery?
I'm going to give you the link to the EmpowHer reference page on depression so that you can better understand this medical condition. I'd also like to suggest you consider seeking support from a trained counselor who can help you with both the physical and emotional aspects of what you're experiencing. You may also want to consider finding a local support group where you can talk with, and meet, others who've also had this type of surgery. Friends often aren't the best source of support when you need to talk about an illness and people who've been in your same shoes often not only want to hear what you have to say but they also often have a lot of good information and resources they can share back that will support your healing process. Please let me know what you think of these suggestions, and if there's anything else we can help you with. Again, what you're experiencing is normal, the next question then is what will you do to get the support you now need?
Take care, Pat
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Hi jjfinn1123 - Yes, what you're experiencing is normal - in fact this occurs so frequently that there's a name for it - post surgical depression. This sometimes occurs right after surgical procedures while for others this can occur weeks and months later. The level of intensity can range from very mild to severe.
What causes post surgical depression ? According to researchers, patients usually have a fairly good idea of what to expect during surgery, and the surgeries generally go well. After the surgery patients often encounter emotions and experiences that they didn't expect. Many people will experience feelings of loss and vulnerability, as well as start focusing on their own mortality. There may also be uncertainly about the future, or how to communicate with others about what they've gone through and their medical condition. Does any of this describe what you've been thinking and experiencing as you go through your recovery?
I'm going to give you the link to the EmpowHer reference page on depression so that you can better understand this medical condition. I'd also like to suggest you consider seeking support from a trained counselor who can help you with both the physical and emotional aspects of what you're experiencing. You may also want to consider finding a local support group where you can talk with, and meet, others who've also had this type of surgery. Friends often aren't the best source of support when you need to talk about an illness and people who've been in your same shoes often not only want to hear what you have to say but they also often have a lot of good information and resources they can share back that will support your healing process. Please let me know what you think of these suggestions, and if there's anything else we can help you with. Again, what you're experiencing is normal, the next question then is what will you do to get the support you now need?
Take care, Pat
https://www.empowher.com/media/reference/depression#definition
April 6, 2010 - 5:41pmThis Comment
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