I am sorry you are going through post-operative depression. That is something I have experienced with every, bar none, operation I have ever had. It comes in waves, much like ocean waves. The intensity differs with each bout so I have found myself more depressed at later times than at times closer to the operation.
However, the waves do become less over time. I found that when I’ve experienced the depression it helps me to acknowledge it is depression, to practice deep breathing, and to realize that while my feelings may be awful, my life isn’t. I look around and name 10 things that I can see that are good. Then, I name 10 more. And, I continue.
Usually, I am still depressed while doing that. The feelings don’t go away quickly. But the exercise gives my mind something to reason with and counter the feelings.
Next, I watch a silly comedy show of some sort because laughing releases hormones that help relax me.
I hope there is something there which can help. If not, disregard.
Your post sure helped me figure out what is going on with a friend who had knee surgery 2 months or so ago.
She has been having a horrible time.
I will talk to her about depression, had never considered and probably neither has she.
Thank you for your post.
Thank you so much. I haven’t talked with anyone that has experienced it so didn’t know if it was just me. I was crying this AM and my son kept asking what was wrong, I told him I didn’t know but I couldn’t stop crying.
I’ve always been the stoic one in the family and not much of a crier, so my son didnt know what to do.
Thank you again.
The only other surgeries I’ve had were two fusions in my neck. I never experienced depression then, probably because they got rid of the agonizing pain I was in before the surgery.
This time I walked in feeling fine, come out in horrible shape. But I’m thankful I caught the cancer so soon that I was feeling fine when I walked in. And I’ve avoided needing chemo or radiation after surgery.
What an excellent post. Thanks for sharing.