Beat the post-surgery blues

The after-effects of medications, surgery and the activity limitations required during recovery can lead to something called ‘post-operative blues.’ This can include feelings of low mood, loss of appetite, difficulty concentrating and even self-doubt. This is a temporary and normal part of the healing period. Here are some suggestions for making it easier.

Put your self-care plan from your Surgery Workbook into action. See below.

Before surgery, ask yourself:
- What does it look like when I start to feel low?
- How will people know that I’m feeling that way?
- Who can I share this information with in advance?

Make lists of things you love and reflect on how you can experience more of what you love while you heal from surgery (eg. lists of activities that bring you joy, ways that you connect with others, ways that you show yourself love, foods you love to eat, smells that calm & refresh you, sounds that inspire you, textures that you love to feel on your skin).
Write letters expressing thanks to people who helped you during surgery
Keep a journal

Self-Care Planning Exercises

Here are some holistic self-care planning exercises to help you prepare for before and after surgery. These exercises are also included in the Surgery Workbook.