Managing Depression After Open Heart Surgery: A Recovery Guide

Having open heart surgery is a life-changing event. You may think that your activity level will be severely restricted after open heart surgery, and having to deal with depression after an open heart surgery is fairly common, especially during the recovery period. Here's how to deal with this problem.

Instructions

• 1

  Get dressed every morning. Brush your hair and teeth. Lying around in your pajamas may be tempting, but if you get dressed, you will feel like your life is getting back to normal.

• 2

  Go outside, if possible. You may be asked to wear a mask when you leave your room if you are still in the hospital. This is for your protection and shouldn't deter you from going outside. Fresh air will help you feel more normal.

• 3

  Spend time doing things you like to do. You may have to take things slowly at first, especially while you are healing from your open heart surgery. For example, if you enjoy wood working, you can cut out patterns for an upcoming project. Just make sure that you take regular breaks.

• 4

  Eat the right foods. Eating a balanced diet will help your body heal. It can also increase your energy level. That will help you to resume normal activities faster.

• 5

  Make sure that you get plenty of rest. Sit down and rest when you feel you need to and sleep when you are tired. Your body needs rest to heal and being overly tired can make you feel depressed.

• 6

  Talk to someone. Talking about your feelings and frustrations can help alleviate depression.

• 7

  Seek professional help. If you still feel depressed after a couple of weeks or if you feel like hurting yourself or others, you should talk to a professional. In some cases, you may need an antidepressant.