Is it normal to experience depression after surgery?

Leih1234 · January 2007

At 30, the total thyroidectomy i underwent last december was my second surgery. First one was a lamenectomy (did I spell it right?) when I was 26 back in 2003.

I feel odd though. I do not remember being depressed after that first surgery but I feel so down lately after most of the pain has been gone. I am supposed to go back to work on Monday but I told myself I can managed already so I went back a week earlier. I thought that will help but it made things even worse. It prompted me to stay home and complete the total duration of the sick leave I filed last december.

I found myself sleeping a lot, staying in bed a lot, not wanting to eat anything. I do not even want to watch tv. I usually just lie down and read myself to sleep.

I have nothing to be sad about. Perhaps having a cancer scare at 30 is something but I am always telling myself that it is all over so I am guessing it is not why I feel this way.

Is it normal to feel this way after surgery?

Thanks.

Tjmd · January 2007

depression may still be "normal" right after surgery. It is a psychological reaction and some people do feel depressed while some do not. If you do feel depressed and this has been going on for say two weeks. It may be NO longer normal.

Other symptoms to consider depression is when:
If you start to loose interest in what you normal enjoy (ex. going out, movies)
stop caring care of yourself
Diminished interest or pleasure
Significant weight loss or gain
Insomnia or sleeping too much
Fatigue or loss of energy
Feelings of worthlessness
Diminished ability to think or concentrate; indecisiveness
Recurrent suicide attempt, or specific plan for suicide

its a long list.... but if you been having these symptoms for at least 2 weeks and at least 5 of them. Please do seek psychiatric help.
Looking for a psychiatrist is nothing to be ashamed of (if somehow you do feel that way).

It is in your best interest to look for professional help with regards to what you are feeling.

Real Depression is not just about being 'SAD" or "unhappy".

It is something that can affect you in work, relationships, and in your health. Do seek a doctors help.

Leih1234 · January 2007

Thanks Tjmd. While I noticed I still enjoy some of the usual things that I do like going out, sad to say I have at least five of the symptoms you mentioned. To be more exact, I noticed the following. . .

Diminished interest or pleasure
Significant weight loss or gain - I only suspect this since I haven't been eating much
Insomnia or sleeping too much
Fatigue or loss of energy
Feelings of worthlessness
Diminished ability to think or concentrate; indecisiveness

I also noticed that I get irritated easily.
Anyway, thank you very much. Will follow your advice.

Is it normal to experience depression after surgery?

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