How to Help Someone With Post Surgery Depression

Post-surgery depression is common for individuals who have gone through a major surgery. There may be feelings of depression afterward if complications arose during the surgery process or in recovery. In addition, depression can result from pain, pain medication, feelings of loss, or other underlying issues that make it difficult to cope. Post-surgery depression should be reported to a medical professional, but there are several ways to help someone who is suffering.

Instructions

Helping Someone Cope

• 1

  Talk to the individual about possible reasons why he or she might be feeling depressed. There are all sorts of reasons for post surgery depression and your loved one may have a reason in mind why his or her mood has changed.

• 2

  Find a good support system for the person suffering from post surgery depression. This should include other friends and family members, and all should do their part to be available whenever the person needs to talk, express feelings, or communicate about the depression or the results of the surgery.

• 3

  Help the person with stress management techniques as these has been shown to help depression in general and also promote relaxation. A couple examples of good stress management techniques for those with post surgery depression include progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery with soothing audio recordings, and meditation practices.

• 4

  Engage in fun activities with the other person as much as possible. Finding fun activities to do will help elevate the mood of someone with post surgery depression; activities can include watching funny movies, getting outside as much as possible for fresh air, or hobbies that the person enjoyed before the surgery.

• 5

  Alert a medical professional immediately to the post surgery depression so that psychotherapy techniques can begin. In a study published in the Archives of General Psychiatry, over 70 percent of post surgery depression cases were in remission through treatments with cognitive-behavioral therapy.