SCWP The Vital Role of Mental Health in Surgery Recovery: Why It Matters and How to Support It
Did you know that the state of your mental health can impact your physical recovery from surgery? The psychological state of your mind can either positively or negatively impact your road to recovery. In this blog, we are going to discuss the mind-body connection, how to cope with the stress and anxiety that comes along with surgery, and the cost of ignoring your mental health before and after your surgery.
Mind-Body Connection
There is a well-documented relationship between our thoughts, emotions, and physical health known as the mind-body connection. What you think you begin to believe and how you physically treat your body will correlate with the way you feel.
A patient's experience and outcome can be greatly impacted by this connection before, during, or after surgery. You may have heard the term “pre-surgery anxiety.” It is a very common experience for patients to endure prior to a procedure and can cause them to have trouble sleeping, become nauseous or vomit, have racing thoughts or worries, or have other symptoms.
Coping with Pre and Post Surgery Anxiety
Aside from anesthesia before your procedure, there are other methods you can practice to help combat these symptoms. Educating yourself on the procedure you are about to undergo can help relieve some of the worries as you become more familiar with what you will be going through rather than dealing with uncertainty.
Try practicing some deep breathing techniques such as breathwork or meditation. These types of techniques can be very helpful before or after your surgery to put you in a more tranquil state. Both meditation and breathwork have the effects of calming your mind and body. Following a healthy diet can also help you feel better before and after surgery. Your body will have more energy, and heal more smoothly and you will notice a better overall shift in your mood.
If you want to understand other methods to combat pre-surgery anxiety, speak to a professional at the Surgery Center of Winter Park before your procedure.
Cost of Ignoring Your Mental Health Pre and Post Surgery
The cost of ignoring mental health during surgery recovery can be significant, leading to increased pain, complications, and slow healing times. It is possible for patients to experience increased pain and discomfort when they ignore mental health issues.
Studies have shown that patients with depression or anxiety before surgery often experience more pain and discomfort after the procedure. Negative mental health states can also impact recovery time. Patients with mental health issues may have a weaker immune response, leading to slower healing times and a longer recovery period.
Overall, ignoring mental health during surgery recovery can have a significant impact on your physical recovery and well-being. At SCWP, we will make it a priority to address mental health concerns alongside physical health concerns, prior to your procedure. We are focused on excellence in healthcare by providing you with convenient, quality, and affordable healthcare solutions. Give our center a call or email us today to speak with our staff. You can learn more about our facility and procedures by heading over to our website.
