Post-surgical depression: what does it consist of?

Post-surgical depression affects many more people than we think. Any surgical intervention is a source of stress, anxiety and high worry. Now, sometimes, no matter whether the surgery itself went well, many patients go through a postoperative period marked by discouragement and despondency. These are situations that deserve more attention.

We ourselves or a close family member may have experienced something similar. It is true that each intervention is different, that each person goes through a more or less traumatic experience while passing through a hospital. There are those who undergo surgery for an inguinal hernia, others for a cosmetic operation and others must face a tough oncological intervention.

Each experience is unique, but each and every one of us can suffer from post-surgical depression. Although it surprises us, It should be noted that it is quite common, however it is rarely talked about. Let us therefore know more information about it.

Post-surgical depression: definition, symptoms and treatment

There are two groups among whom post-surgical depression is common: people who have undergone cardiac surgery and those who have suffered a broken hip. In the latter cases, for example, research such as that carried out at King’s College London, Institute of Psychiatry in the United Kingdom, shows that Designing treatments to prevent depression after surgery gives good results.

However What happens in other cases? Cancer patients, for example, usually also have specialized equipment to care, among others, for women who have undergone a mastectomy. However, there remains a large number of patients who face their postoperative periods with great difficulty.

In many cases, they feel alone because their environment does not understand the reality they are going through. It does not matter that an operation has been successful, a good part does not feel well psychologically. Thus, and despite the evident advances in medicine and surgical techniques, the mental aspect continues to be a neglected area. Because there are many patients who experience their postoperative periods in a traumatic way.

What are the symptoms of post-surgical depression?

Research, such as those carried out at the University of Padova (Italy), tells us something interesting. It has been found that some of the people who had heart ailments that led to post-surgical depression already showed depressive symptoms preoperatively.

Sometimes we can have patients with emotional ups and downs before the operation.. The postoperative period can intensify these states, to the point of leading to major depression if help is not received. Let’s see, however, what the most common symptoms are.

Increased exhaustion and physical pain, to the point that The recovery itself takes longer than normal.Irritability, hopelessness and apathy. This emotional state that is more dull than normal goes beyond two weeks. Having a greater need for sleep.Loss of appetite.Activities that were previously motivating now lose their interest. Difficulty in recovering normal life (and only not because of obvious physical problems). Feeling of loneliness and incomprehension. The person perceives that no one around them understands the reality they are going through..

What are the causes?

Professionals who focus on post-surgical depression highlight a fact. It does not matter whether the intervention consisted of removing a mole or removing a tumor. Every operation is traumatic because it involves a more or less painful intrusion into one’s own body.. Something like that always leaves an emotional impact behind it.

Undergoing an operation is putting our body (and our life) in the hands of others. Something like that creates a great feeling of vulnerability. We stop being masters of ourselves to depend on third parties. Every surgery is a physical invasion. Likewise, The postoperative period often implies not having autonomyfeeling pain, depending on treatments, cures, having to rest… This focus on the body sometimes makes us rethink many things.

On the other hand, in most cases, what is experienced is the feeling of having lost one’s invincibility. Seeing your own weakness can be scary. It is also a time in which we rethink relationships by seeing who is with us and who is not.

How can we manage depression that arises after surgery?

The first strategy to manage postsurgical depression is to know how to prevent it. At least, in a large part of these interventions with greater personal impact, they should have the support of professionals specialized in this area. Psychology should also be the usual accompaniment before and after interventions.

On the other hand, something that patients who live these experiences need and value is have the validation and understanding of those closest to you. A solid support network to talk to and count on is essential. Likewise, it is essential that the person can express feelings, emotions and thoughts. Knowing how to vent and be able to talk about your experiences is essential in all cases.Cognitive-behavioral therapy is an ideal approach to address these situations. by allowing you to rationalize thoughts and create healthier mental, emotional and behavioral approaches.

Finally, following constant routines and having adequate medical and psychological care are the best pillars to navigate those weeks or months after an intervention.

Each person lives and faces these complex experiences in a specific way. Thus, it would be a good time to give greater visibility to post-surgical depression.

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