The Scientific Reason Why Some People Experience Depression After Surgery

Postoperative depression is a common complication of surgery, though it’s rarely talked about.

Embarking on the journey to rectify abnormal cervical cells, Emma Wolf, a young woman of 27, encountered an unforeseen emotional descent. In the wake of a surgical intervention deemed minor in nature, the invasive aspect left a reverberation she hadn’t braced herself for. The medical counsel she received, albeit focused on the physical dimension, neglected to forewarn her about the lasting emotional resonance that would reverberate for weeks.

Reflecting upon her experience, Emma’s candid revelations to Health unveiled the intricate tapestry of emotions she navigated. “I was encompassed by an eerie detachment from my very own body,” she candidly confessed. As she grappled with the weight of unfulfilled daily demands, a cloud of guilt descended upon her. The delicate balance between tending to her familial responsibilities and nurturing her individual existence assumed an almost Herculean stature. The heightened intensity of these sentiments caught her off guard, evoking a reflection that reverberates, “I was utterly ill-equipped for this inner struggle that unfolded.”

In this understated account, Emma’s narrative casts a spotlight on an oft-overlooked phenomenon: the intricacies of postoperative depression. This complex emotional aftermath, a silent companion to surgical procedures, often sidesteps the spotlight, residing in the shadows. The chasm between the medical discourse focused on the body’s physical healing and the unanticipated emotional repercussions becomes glaringly evident in Emma’s journey.

In essence, Emma’s introspective journey reflects a tapestry where emotions intertwine with the physical. Her narrative provides a potent reminder that the aftermath of surgery isn’t just about physical recuperation but also the uncharted emotional labyrinth one must traverse, inviting a reevaluation of how postoperative care encompasses both the body and the psyche.

Symptoms of Post Surgery Depression

Distinguishing between post-operative depression and the typical sentiments of sadness that accompany recovery can prove challenging. While some symptoms, such as weariness and irritability, may coincide, it’s the enduring nature of post-op depression that sets it apart—it persists beyond a span of two weeks and, if disregarded, can extend into months. Astonishingly, a patient’s journey towards complete recuperation after a successful surgery might still be accompanied by lingering feelings of despair.

Amy Vigliotti, PhD, the founder of SelfWorks: Therapy Professionals and a former supervising psychologist at Jacobi Medical Center in New York City, underlines the universality of emotional responses to surgical procedures. Regardless of the procedure’s scale, be it as minor as mole removal or as significant as tumor excision, the emotional impact on the body is entirely natural. As she states, “The magnitude of the operation doesn’t necessarily correlate with the emotional reaction it can evoke.”

Surgery Triggers Emotions

Vigliotti emphasizes that entrusting your well-being to another individual, particularly a surgeon, exposes a profound sense of vulnerability, which in turn can set off a spectrum of intense emotions, including depression. The act of undergoing surgery constitutes a significant intrusion into one’s body, an experience that can carry an inherent sense of trauma, whether consciously recognized or not. This emotional response often crystallizes into depression due to a convergence of factors, encompassing physical pain, discomfort, limitations in mobility, and an amplified reliance on external support. In scenarios where patients have undergone procedures involving the removal of organs or body parts, a sentiment of loss can further contribute to the emotional mix.

“We all possess a certain degree of perceived invulnerability. We generally enjoy good physical health, until our bodies unexpectedly falter, catching us off guard,” Vigliotti elucidates. “Such circumstances trigger a multitude of sentiments related to our physical well-being, our mortality, and the inherent vulnerability we experience within the world.”

Emotional Needs Should Be Addressed

Vigliotti underscores that while significant attention is devoted to equipping individuals with practical information for surgery, such as dietary guidelines, clothing choices, and pain management strategies, there remains an inadequate emphasis on addressing their emotional needs. She advocates for a more comprehensive approach, asserting that medical professionals, including doctors and surgeons, should intensify efforts to educate and forewarn their patients about the potential for post-surgery depression. This proactive communication helps patients anticipate and cope with emotional challenges that may arise. Importantly, it’s noteworthy that depression and anxiety can exert tangible effects on the pace and efficacy of physical recovery, as highlighted in a 2017 study published in the British Journal of Surgery

Notably, individuals with a history of mental health issues stand at the greatest vulnerability for developing post-surgery depression. Symptoms can manifest diversely, but frequently encompass issues such as sleep disturbances, profound fatigue, feelings of hopelessness, guilt, irritability, disrupted appetite patterns, heightened anxiety or panic episodes, and persistently low mood. Recognizing the significance of these indicators, it becomes imperative to engage in a dialogue with one’s medical provider should any of these symptoms surface during recovery.

A Strong Support System

Vigliotti underscores the significance of a robust support network during the recovery phase. “Having a reliable confidant who is an attentive listener is pivotal,” she asserts. This pillar of support can encompass a therapist or anyone in whom you have unwavering trust.

Wolf’s experience aligns with this perspective. “Seeking validation from those around me, including my partner and family, proved essential,” she shared. “Acknowledging my challenges and permitting myself to prioritize self-care and rest became crucial. Accepting that it’s permissible not to shoulder every responsibility all the time was a vital lesson.”

There exists a spectrum of strategies to counter post-operative depression. Embracing the outdoors, which offers the natural mood-boosting effects of sunlight, is recommended. Prioritizing sufficient sleep, adhering to a nourishing diet, nurturing connections with loved ones, and exploring engaging activities such as reading, listening to music, or engaging in games can facilitate the recovery journey. Gradually reintegrating oneself into established routines as the body permits is also advisable.

Vigliotti emphasizes that facing difficulties head-on is imperative. “The struggles intensify when emotions are repressed and suppressed,” she highlights. Encouraging open dialogues surrounding these experiences is pivotal. Such candid discussions, more often than not, serve as the linchpin for navigating and overcoming challenges.

Conclusion

The road to recovery extends beyond the physical realm, encompassing the emotional landscape with equal importance. Recognizing the potential for post-operative depression, fostering a robust support structure, and embracing a holistic approach to well-being are key ingredients in fostering a smoother recuperation process.