Anxiety and depression post-hysterectomy

[Fallin77]

Hi, I'm trying to find out if anyone else out there had a hysterectomy and a lot of anxiety and depression afterwards. Most people think you have a hysterectomy just because you're selfish and you want your life to be easier but for me I am at a high risk for cancer reoccurence so it was a decision I made because I want to live longer.I'm 45 years old so I don't know if that makes it worse than for someone who is closer to menopause. I'm feeling pretty hopeless in general. Looking for any tips or ideas to help me out of this. Thanks!

[Jeff1943]

Fallin77, whether you have a hysterectomy is your decision alone and you made the choice for good reasons. Nobody has the right to tell you that you're being selfish, nobody else suffers as a result of your decision. So put those criticisms completely out of your mind.Any major operation or procedure is a major trauma on your body and that includes your nervous system too. So it's perfectly understandable to feel "down" after such an operation, the physical and mental stress can so easily bring on anxiety and depression. I think that is true in the majority of cases.

In time, with rest, relaxation and good nutrition your body and mind will recover naturally. But if during the meantime those bad feelings are causing you too much distress then do have a word with your doctor, he or she has dealt with this problem before and they will certainly be able to offer you help.

I hope you recover before too long and are able to enjoy your life once again.

[Fallin77 in reply to Jeff1943]

Hi Jeff1943, thank you for your response. It is nice to hear someone else's perspective. I wish you a happy 2023!

[Tranquilwaters]

Hello! If you have had your ovaries removed as part of your hysterectomy, your hormones will have now dropped dramatically and this can have a significant impact on your mood (I had this surgery myself 8 years ago). If this is the case, please speak to your GP or Gynaecologist about this as the cause is hormonal and can be helped by HRT or possibly an alternative medication if you absolutely cannot take HRT for health reasons. Please don't struggle on alone - this isn't in any way your fault and you're not causing this yourself 💜