Tips for Coping With Pre-surgery Anxiety
Some people experience a great deal of anxiety in the days and weeks leading up to surgery. This anxiety can be caused by many factors, including fear of the unknown, fear of pain, fear of death, and fear of disability. For some people, this anxiety can be so severe that it interferes with their ability to go through with the surgery.
Finding ways to ease the anxiety so you can make the best decisions for your health is essential, but many people don’t know what to do or where to turn for advice. If you have a surgical procedure coming up, keep reading for tips on coping with pre-surgery anxiety.
How can you alleviate pre-surgery anxiety?
One of the best things you can do to ease anxiety about a surgical procedure is to work with a qualified surgeon that you trust. The internet has made it easier than ever to learn about the physicians in your area and find the best match for your case. For example, a quick search for “breast surgeons near me” will allow you to search through thousands of physicians and narrow them down by specialty, location, and other relevant filters.
Feeling confident in your surgeon and the medical team that will be handling your surgical procedure will make a significant difference in your level of anxiety.
If you’re feeling anxious about surgery, talking to a therapist is an option. Anxiety therapy can be a useful and healthy way for you to prepare for the experience. Therapy can help you understand your anxiety symptoms and learn coping mechanisms to deal with it. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Before you start therapy, be sure to ask the therapist about their history working with patients dealing with surgical anxiety. There are different types of therapists, including psychiatrists and psychologists, and there are several different kinds of therapy. Disciplines like talk therapy, psychotherapy, cognitive behavior therapy, and exposure therapy can all be helpful.
Alternatively, you can also contact attorneys. Many attorneys specialize in medical cases and can provide valuable advice about your rights and any potential legal recourse you may have due to the surgery. For example, suppose your surgery requires inserting a pacemaker device.
In that case, skilled defective medical device attorneys can help you understand your rights if the device is later found to be defective or malfunctioning. In addition, by talking to attorneys beforehand, you can calm your pre-surgery anxiety and feel more confident that you won’t be left with any devastating medical bills if something were to go wrong.
It’s also necessary to plan what you’ll do after your surgery. Giving yourself something to look forward to, like a fun day or a treat you’ve had your eye on, can distract you from any feelings of unease or discomfort.
If you cannot care for yourself following surgery, make arrangements for assistance. This could include hiring a home health care provider or asking a friend or family member to spend time with you. Knowing that you have the support you need can provide you with a little more comfort.
What else can you do for your mental health while recovering?
Surgery can be a traumatic experience, even if it goes well. You should think about continuing therapeutic treatment during your recovery. If you found therapy useful in preparing for your surgical procedure, you should know that it can also improve your quality of life as you recover. Therapy has proven to be extremely beneficial for people in a wide range of situations, even if they don’t have a diagnosed mental health condition. Having someone to talk to and share your frustrations with will make a significant impact on your overall health and wellness.
Something many people don’t realize is how important it is to stay hydrated after surgery. This will keep you hydrated and allow your body to heal properly. It’s recommended that men drink about 3.7 liters of fluids per day, while women require about 2.7 liters, but it’s a good idea to drink more than that if you’re recovering from a surgical procedure. Proper hydration is a central part of recovery, and it can reduce the likelihood of certain types of complications, like blood clots.
It’s never easy to have surgery, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t things you can do to relax your mind before the procedure. Therapy is one of the most effective ways to address any anxiety, and continuing treatment throughout your recovery is usually recommended.
Taking care of yourself in other ways, like getting plenty of sleep and staying hydrated, should also be a priority if you want to minimize postoperative complications and give your body the nutrients that it needs to help you heal. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or for professional guidance if you feel unsure or need additional information.
