Key Takeaways
Depression after surgery is a common experience.
The type of surgery, your lifestyle, and other factors can determine your risk of postoperative depression.
A qualified mental health provider can provide you with a depression diagnosis and treatment.
After surgery, you may be most focused on managing your physical recovery. But you might be surprised to find that your mental health might be impacted as well. Postoperative depression — depression after surgery — is a common experience. If you’ve noticed changes in your mood and think you might be experiencing symptoms of depression, help is available.
A therapist can offer support as you navigate depression symptoms and validate your experiences. They can also provide a depression diagnosis, if applicable, and discuss your treatment options. Seeking mental health support after surgery can feel intimidating, but know that you’re not alone.
Symptoms of depression after surgery
If you feel down after surgery, you might not associate it with depression. Missing out on activities you enjoy — even if just temporarily — or being more isolated than usual are reasons why sadness or hopelessness can happen. But it’s important to be informed about depression symptoms after surgery so you can know when to seek additional support.
Some signs of postoperative depression include:
Some symptoms aren’t as obviously linked to depression with postoperative surgery [2]. These can include mental impairment, a lower tolerance for pain, delirium, and worsened post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms [3].
Depending on what kind of surgery you had, your mental health, and other factors, depression can last a few weeks, months, or even years. For example, one study showed 52% of patients who underwent open-heart surgery had depression [4] either during recovery or within three years afterward.
*The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7, confidential support with trained crisis counselors. If you or a loved one is in emotional distress or a suicidal crisis, please call or text 988. If you’re experiencing a life-threatening emergency or you need immediate help, please call 911.
When postoperative depression is most likely
While major depressive disorder (MDD) is common after surgery [2], the more severe a surgery is, the more likely you’ll experience depression. For example, research shows that there’s an almost 19% chance that you’ll develop depression after hip-fracture surgery [5]. Other types of surgery that have a higher likelihood of depression include thoracotomy, hip replacement surgery, heart surgery, and gallbladder removal.
But this doesn’t mean that depression is guaranteed after these surgeries. Depending on your lifestyle and other factors, you might be more or less at risk of depression after major surgery. Generally, if you’re stressed before surgery [6], you’re more likely to develop depression. Other research shows that people who live with obesity and undergo bariatric surgery have a greater chance of experiencing depression [2].
Pain after surgery can also be a sign that you might go on to develop depression. When you experience pain, your brain can’t release dopamine [2], a hormone that makes you feel good, as well as it normally can. Asking what level of pain you should expect before surgery can help you be on the lookout for depression symptoms.
Next steps to diagnosing postoperative depression
If you think you’re experiencing depression after surgery, it’s best to seek help. Tracking your symptoms can help a therapist or psychiatrist with a depression diagnosis. Record your symptoms’ severity and duration. You can also talk to your doctor who can screen you for depression and also refer you to a mental health provider.
Next, you’ll need treatment for your depression symptoms. Some treatments that are effective for managing depression include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT). CBT helps people notice and reframe negative thinking and can also help with pain or stress after surgery. IPT is an option that focuses on improving relationships, which can get worse if you’re isolated after surgery.
Another type of therapy to consider is mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) which incorporates meditation, gentle stretches, and cognitive therapy exercises. If you have any physical limitations after surgery, MBSR is an accessible option, and it’s also shown to relieve depression symptoms.
Clinician's take
A few signs that sadness after surgery may be shifting into symptoms of depression are isolating from others, not enjoying things you once did, and feeling unmotivated to do basic tasks like showering or eating. If these symptoms are consistent, reaching out for support can help.
Find care with Rula
Recovering from surgery can take a toll on your physical and mental health. Experiencing depression after surgery is common, and your risk can be shaped by factors like the type of surgery and pre-existing mental health conditions.
If you think you could be experiencing symptoms of postoperative depression, help is available. A therapist and/or psychiatrist can provide personalized support during this challenging time.
At Rula, we’re here to help you feel better. Rula makes it easy to find a licensed therapist or psychiatric provider who takes your insurance. That way, you don’t have to choose between great care and a price you can afford.
Rula patients pay about $15 per session with insurance, and 93% say they feel better after getting care through Rula. We have 21,000+ providers, and appointments are available as soon as tomorrow. We’re here to help you take the next step — wherever you are in your mental health journey.
