Preparing yourself emotionally and mentally

Back to Waiting Well: Preparing yourself for surgery

Having an operation or being in hospital can be very stressful and it is normal to be anxious, worried and afraid. Feeling anxious can have a negative impact on both your physical and mental wellbeing.

Reasons for mental wellbeing before surgery

  • Shorter stay in hospital
  • Better hospital experience
  • Less pain after surgery

Other reasons for mental wellbeing

  • Improved sleep
  • Better outlook on life and less risk of depression and anxiety
  • Reduced risk of heart disease

  • Read the surgery and anaesthetic information pages. This can help you understand process around having an operation and being in hospital
  • Talk. To your GP, your surgeon, your Preassessment Team, your family and friends.
  • Regular Exercise. Especially relaxing options such as yoga.
  • Relaxation Techniques. Mindfullness, meditation, breathing exercises and music can be helpful to reduce stress and worries.
  • Hobbies. Keeping yourself busy can distract from worrying thoughts.
  • Ask for help.

The Royal College of Anaesthetists has information on ‘Preparing your Mind for Surgery’ and has a series of recordings which you might find useful to help you relax before surgery and to develop a positive mindset about your procedure and recovery.

Mindfulness can be a very helpful tool to manage a variety of wellbeing issues, especially worry and anxiety. It involves paying attention to what is going on inside and outside ourselves, moment by moment.

You can take steps to develop it in your own life.

The NHS Website has good information and a beginner’s guide to Mindfullness.

Headspace is a widely used subscription app that can help you learn and practice Mindfulness. [Subscription needed]

 

NHS talking therapies service can help if you're struggling with things like feelings of depression, excessive worry, social anxiety, feeling stressed or having panic attacks. You can refer yourself directly, or a GP can refer you.

Talking therapies can also help if you have mental health problems resulting from other conditions, such as diabetes, cancer, long-term pain or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).