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Like many others who've gone through heart surgery, you may experience some feelings of sadness or depression. Your feelings may range from sadness and anger to guilt, loneliness, confusion, or stress. While these feelings are common, it's important to guard your emotional health after surgery.
What to Remember
Your emotional health after surgery can have an impact on your recovery. Feelings of isolation and sadness can also affect your future health.
Here are some signs that it's time to ask for a little help:
- Sadness that lasts for more than two weeks
- Loss of interest in going out or participating in everyday activities
- Seeking comfort from alcohol or drugs
- Trouble sleeping
- Muscle aches and headaches
- Loss of appetite or overeating
How to Ask for Help
Being kind to yourself is important. Here's how to ask for help guarding your emotional health after surgery.
- Tell your doctor how you're feeling. Ask if there are treatments available to help you feel better.
- Seek out family and friends. Tell them that it's common for heart surgery patients to experience depression and that the two often go together.
- If you're part of a faith community, seek out friends and staff members there for fellowship and support.
- Try new types of heart-healthy foods.
- Try to keep your weight within the healthy range recommended by your doctor.
- If you're having trouble sleeping, talk to your doctor and follow their recommendations.
- Avoid stressful situations and take time to relax.
- Take your medication and take care of your physical needs after your surgery.
Heart Hugger can help patients feel better faster after surgery by helping them manage pain. To learn more, contact us today!