Surgery Anxiety - How to cope

If you’ve been told that you have to have surgery … whether it is minor or major … you will have had that rush of anxiety.

I don’t know about you, but my biggest fear was that I wouldn’t wake up from anaesthetic.

It doesn’t matter how many surgeries you have … there is still a level of anxiety that is associated with it.

These are some of the things that you can do to overcome your anxiety:

breathe deeply in for the count of 5-10 and hold for the count of 5-10 and then gently breathe out for the count of 5-10. The more you practice this method of breathing – the longer you will be able to hold your count.
take action … don’t sit around worrying. Do something physical to take your mind of your impending surgery.
treat yourself … this could be an outing, shopping, going to the movies, having a luxurious aromatherapy scented bath … you are only limited by your imagination.
listen to soothing, relaxing, music … or if you like loud, head banging music … listen to that … use music to put you into another time and space … really feel the music – whole bodily.
write down all the things that are worrying you in a journal … and then set them aside — ask your unconscious mind to deal with them on your conscious mind’s behalf.
if there are things that you need to talk to your doctor or anaesthetist about … make sure you do this
get your affairs in order before surgery … make sure you have written a Will and discussed your wishes with your next of kin. This may sound macabre – but it will ease any worry about this.
handle unfinished business … this can cause anxiety, too.

To learn more about coping with surgery anxiety … get your copy of “Before After Surgery Toolbox” where all your questions will be answered.

Author: Julie Lewin