How to mentally prepare for surgery

Surgery can seem daunting. Whether you’re worried about the operation itself or your recovery and quality of life afterwards, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed by anxiety, fear and stress.

But there are things you can do to help ease your mental load and prepare yourself for your operation.

For many people, surgery can be scary and confusing.

If you’re dealing with an illness or injury, or facing an uncertain outcome, you might feel stressed, upset or overwhelmed. On top of that, it can be hard to understand and process all of the information that’s being thrown your way.

But as the old saying goes: information is power. Understanding your procedure may help you address some of your anxieties around it.

When it comes to your health and wellbeing, it’s important to get the right kind of information. While the internet can be a helpful resource, you need to be wary of information that isn’t medically backed.

If you want to know more about your procedure, your treating team can provide you with all of the essential information. Don’t be afraid to ask them questions about things like how long the operation will take, expected post-surgery pain and recovery, and potential side-effects. And if you haven’t understood something, don’t be afraid to ask again!

It’s completely normal and understandable to feel anxious or frustrated when you’re facing a major challenge like illness or injury and trying to prepare yourself for an operation.

There are lots of effective ways to work through these moments. And with a little time and practise, your ability to deal with your anxieties around surgery may feel a little easier.

Breathing techniques like cyclic sighing have been shown to significantly reduce anxiety, with methods like box breathing and cyclic hyperventilation also offering benefits.1 You might also consider mindfulness techniques such as meditation, grounding and journalling.

Injuries, illnesses and operations can all have a big impact on your wellbeing, so it’s vital to make sure you have strategies and a support network in place. Reach out to your friends, family, GP or mental health practitioner if you’re ever feeling overwhelmed or just need someone to talk to.

Sometimes, just talking to someone you trust can help you get through a difficult moment. If you’re having an operation, find people you feel comfortable sharing your experience with and let them know how you’re feeling. Chances are, they’ll be more than willing to support you and listen to your concerns.

This also applies to your post-surgery recovery. While a hospital visit can be a great opportunity to unplug for a little while, it’s also important to stay connected with your friends and family. An in-person catch up or a message of support can often be just what the doctor ordered, so let those around you know if and when you feel comfortable having visitors, messages or calls.

As well as being mentally and physically prepared, there are some practical things you’ll need to do to get ready for an operation. Ticking these tasks off a list  might help you feel more confident and in control.

For example, if you’re staying in hospital after your surgery you’ll need to make sure that you’re ready for your visit. This includes packing a bag with appropriate clothing, things to keep you entertained, all of your medication and any important documentation.

Getting through your surgery and hospital stay is a fantastic recovery milestone. But what happens when you come home?

This is another area where it can be helpful to make a list of things you need to do so you can feel confident that you’ve covered as many bases as possible.

If you know you’ll need to be off your feet during your recovery, make sure your home is set up to make moving around and getting plenty of rest a bit easier. This might mean preparing meals ahead of time and storing them in the freezer, rearranging furniture so it’s easier to get around, and letting loved ones know you may need some help at home.

Preparing yourself with the right information, self-care strategies and support may help you face surgery with a greater sense of confidence and calm, setting the stage for a smoother recovery.

Beyond Blue offers 24/7 mental health information and support online and on the phone at 1300 224 636.

Lifeline Australia offers 24/7 crisis support online and on the phone at 13 11 14.