How to Help a Family Member Deal With Post Surgical Depression & Anxiety

Post-Surgical Depression and Anxiety (PSDA) is a common emotional reaction in patients following serious surgical procedures. PSDA is a serious mental disorder, as it can occur immediately following a surgery or not manifest until months later. Symptoms range from mild dysphoria to major depression. According to Autoimmunity.com, PSDA can be caused by a number of surgical effects, including after effects of anesthesia (which can affect emotional responses and anxiety), medications, and bed restrictions following surgery. People close to the patient can also have a significant effect on the patient's recovery, and should be mindful of their influence.

Instructions

• 1

  Demonstrate your empathy with the patient's feelings of depression and anxiety. Your family member may feel alone and scared, regardless of the number of people available to help them, so it is important to ensure the patient that you are there to help them.

• 2

  Understand that PSDA sufferers primarily question themselves, not others in their relationships. Some sufferers of PSDA can push their peers away due to new, frightening feelings of intimacy, and should not be misinterpreted as rejection. Allow your family member space, but remain supportive.

• 3

  Encourage your family member to undergo cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) to combat their depression or anxiety. According to Mentalhelp.net, CBT has been demonstrated to be more effective and long-lasting than usual care and supportive stress management.

• 4

  Nurture your family member to perform all of the work treatment and recovery plans require. The more effort a patient puts into therapeutic methods, the more effective they will be, so it is in your peer's best interests to work as hard as possible. Remain supportive when encouraging your family member to work hard at getting better.

• 5

  Be prepared for new outlooks and personality traits as a result of the depression and anxiety. Patients can often emerge from PSDA significantly changed as people, for better or worse. Be prepared to accept the change in the person's outlook, and continue to love and care for them unconditionally.