Depression is a mental state that makes people sad, hopeless and adversely affects how people think and behave. Several people find themselves unable to perform simple chores, such as brushing teeth or combing hair. 

Depression affects some people differently; while some feel hollow, others feel worthless. In some significant cases, it evokes thoughts of suicide. It has become one of the prevalent issues in modern times as an increasing number of people now suffer from depression and anxiety. 

Causes behind depression vary from person to person, and some people feel depressed after going through a surgical process. 

Postoperative Depression 

Surgeries can be mentally and physically draining. People’s minds are riddled with different thoughts before surgery, and sometimes, fears overwhelm them. People understand about going through anxiety and feeling depressed before surgery. 

Still, postoperative depression is something many people have never heard of. Postoperative depression is natural as many people feel disconnected from their bodies. While many people and health practitioners discuss the physical limitations and recovery process, depression after surgery is hardly mentioned. 

Nonetheless, overwhelming depression can last for weeks after surgery and hinders people’s day-to-day tasks. While there can be multiple causes behind postoperative depression, people want to learn different ways to deal with them. 

Some ways to overcome postoperative depression are:

1. Accept the Change

After the surgery, the first and foremost need is to accept that their body is not the same anymore; it has improved. People often take time to process and understand how their postoperative bodies functions. 

Sometimes, after surgery, doctors put some restrictions for a period, and the limitation depresses people. Supposedly, someone has undergone breast enlargement treatment, and they may find it hard to embrace the change. 

The silicone biopolymer removal isn’t evident immediately after the surgery, and people find uneasiness in accepting the enlarged breasts. Acceptance helps in dealing with the body and alleviates negative feelings. 

2. Train your Mind to Look at the Positives

Depression is all about negative feelings. Regardless of what happens in one life, it does not let people look at the bright side of life. People with hardships need to train their minds to focus on positivity, as it helps keep them going. 

Postoperative people feel overwhelmed as they no longer recognize their bodies and often start crying for no apparent reason. They may have to work hard initially to divert their minds from their surgery and concentrate on other aspects of their life. 

Training minds to be grateful and looking for positivity in everything improves mental health and relieves depression. 

3. Exercise

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Some patients may have limitations as their doctors have restricted them from indulging in anything physical. Patients must consult their doctors and discuss physical activities that they can perform. Exercise helps them use excessive emery, diverts their minds, and provides them with a sense of accomplishment. 

Most patients are allowed to take a slow walk. They can go to the woods, stroll in a nearby park, or if they are in hospital, they can walk in the hospital.  Getting out of the room will positively impact people’s psychological health and help them deal with depression after surgery. 

4. Establish Routine

Several people feel their lives have taken a 180-degree turn post-surgery. They struggle as they think they have to start from scratch, and it requires strength from every ounce of their bodies. Patients must take one day at a time and start working on establishing their routines.  

Numerous people become insomniacs after surgery and no longer follow a proper routine. They must strive to discipline themselves and should fight procrastination. Sitting idly and wasting time feeds on depression and makes people feel worthless. 

Establishing a routine gives a purpose to live and impacts mental health positively. 

5. Eat Healthily

Depression often results in binge eating and makes people crave processed or unhealthy food items. Several people give in to their cravings and end up eating unhealthy food. Following a healthy diet seems a challenge as healthy food no longer tastes good. 

Patients need to be patient and understand that their diet plays an active role in improving their health. Some patients may have to follow a prescribed diet plan. They must stick to it as it helps them recover. 

Moreover, unhealthy food makes people sluggish, and they procrastinate. In contrast, people following a healthy diet recovers fast, and it helps build better mental health.  

6. Reach out to Friends or Family

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Psychologists say that suppressing negative feelings is one of the gravest mistakes people can make to damage their mental health. Expressing whatever people feel, letting frustration out makes people feel light and drive negativity out. 

Postoperative depression is often overlooked, and many people are ignorant about it. Still, people must reach to their family or friends, and chances are they will lend a listening ear and help people express themselves. 

Several people get into their shells after surgery, and that makes their condition worse. Friends are ever ready to help, and they do not mind listening to your postoperative struggles.

7. Set Goals

People must realize that their bodies are weak after surgery and they have limitations. Setting goals for themselves give them an excuse to work something on and look forward to the outcomes. Accomplishing these goals provide a chance to celebrate and positively impacts mental wellbeing

People must keep their physical conditions in mind while setting goals and ensure that they do not exert themselves. Setting goals may feel something insignificant, but it can do wonders in improving mental health. 


People have started recognizing mental disorders in the modern world and not shy away from expressing their issues. A vast majority suffers from stress and depression, and some cases can be severe. 

Depression after surgery sounds unreal until one goes through it. Recovery after surgery is far from easy, and people often have to start from scratch to readjust after surgery. They feel a change in their bodies, and it usually fills them with an empty feeling, and they find themselves unable to cope with the change. 

Expressing emotions, spending time in nature, and focusing on rest help people overcome depression after surgery.


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