I still feel depressed a year after surgery. Can anyone suggest ways of overcoming this please?

[Redcoco]

I had open heart surgery last year which was a shock as I had not realised I was unwell. Now recovered I still have feelings of panic and inadequacy and feel much less confident. Has anyone else gone through this?

[Edwen_]

Hi Redcoco, I went through a similar experience a few years ago. I got referred to psychiatry through the cardio rehab in the hospital. I only had a few appointments but I found it very worthwhile. I realised that I needed to make big changes to my life including work, exercise, diet etc. I did make those changes and now feel much better. Everyone’s circumstances are different but you have been through major heart surgery so it’s not surprising that you feel the way you do. Moving forward is possible but you may need some help. Best wishes.

[Kristin1812 Heart Star]

Yes. It’s a big shock. For me I think the toughest thing was facing my own mortality.. I wonder if a good counsellor or therapist is needed? Mine helped a lot, and I got things into a much better perspective. There is a good life to be had after a big heart event, and like Edwen, I made a lot of changes. Perhaps this could help you?

[Blackcatsooty]

Professional counselling will help no end. Until you can start the counselling sessions then do what you can yourself. Maybe try sitting in your most comfortable chair, close your eyes, and think nice thoughts. Breath deeply. Give yourself 20 minutes of this each day. Do not answer the phone, talk to anyone nor allow any disturbance whatsoever. Relax every muscle from the top of your head to the tip of your toes

Best wishes

[EwaUK]

Hi Redcoco....Had double bypass in May this year and struggling with depression and anger issues. I seem to cry a hundred times a day and could not explain why. Angry at everyone and everything. But everyone I've spoken to has assured me this can happen and a lot of people have this problem but....it will pass!

I'm early on in my recovery so not the best to advise you but wanted you to know I understand how you feel and that your not alone. There is always someone on this site that will help advise and comfort you whenever you need it. A God send for people like me.

Good luck in your recovery and many good wishes for the future

[Mrswhisky]

My hubby is just 10 days out of surgery but I'm glad I have seen your post, Im sorry you are feeling this way, the people on here are amazing and will give you lots of positive suggestions, please try and listen, the advice I have received is invaluable . When someone like yourself or anyone posts a question it helps so many others.. You are not alone, sending you a big hug xxx

[Deeveebee]

Like you until I turned 40 and booked a well man check at my local GP I had no idea about my heart defect from birth - I thought I felt well and lived a mostly happy life.Now 2 years post-surgery, it is apparent something was wrong.

Both physically and mentally the quotes of a 3 to 6 month recovery were total Poppycock, I felt everything that you are feeling now at 12 months recovery (on many occasions), now at 24 months all that has finally melted away - it’s a long long journey, stick with it and as others on here have pointed out you are experiencing things many of us have.

I didn’t have to change my lifestyle, I was fit for the heart I had - swam 5 times a week, walked 15 plus miles at weekends, now I can do exactly that once again but feel so much better overall

[Andyman]

In the end I had to get professional counselling and it really helped. She recommended Mindfulness and that helps me day to day. Best thing j ever did.

[Identiy]

People who have had a stroke can develop emotional lability whereby they cry 30 to 40 times daily for no reason presumably due to damage to the part or the brain that stabilises emotions.After five days on an SSRI, the crying is dramatically reduced and eventually stops

Chat to your GP

[TMeditation]

I had open heart surgery a couple of years ago and can completely understand your anxiety . However what helped me was that for some years I’ve practiced meditation and that certainly helped me cope. When I do get these similar thought patterns to you I meditate. There is a free App Insight Timer you can use to help deal with anxiety. Give yourself time and it will get better but remember - you’ve had your surgery, you’re over it and you’re ok. Sometimes what upsets us is not the situation we find ourselves on, it’s our thoughts about it. Just remember - the facts are you are through this, you’re ok and what’s upsetting you is what your mind is saying about it! You don’t have to believe what your mind is telling you and do remember in your own words “I had open heart surgery......now recovered”! Go on, allow yourself to enjoy your new life. Sue 🙏 X

[jerry12953]

Whatever you do, remember that you are not your negative thoughts and feelings. Try to observe them and let them go.

[-007-]

I think most people can relate to the emotional rollercoaster after having surgery like this.I too have laughed one minute and in tears the next.

My father passed away at the age of 53 (when I was only 17) and my brother passed away at 59 both from heart attacks. I am now 68 and I’m still here (happily causing trouble 😂).

I have seen my son get married, listened to my granddaughter call me granddad for the first time.

I try and focus on the good things and think how lucky I am to still be here.

I also have a hero to look up to.

My daughter had cancer of the cervix at the age of 30. She had invasive surgery but the cancer went to her lymph nodes.

She went through all the treatments but she is a fighter.

Soon after coming out of hospital she won singing competitions on stage.

She left her job as an NVQ instructor and opened her own personal trainer business. She basically took life by the horns.

Five years later she had the all clear.

We had five years of worry while she was skydiving out of planes for McMillan charity!

When I had a heart attack, five stents and eventually five bypasses, she went and organised a charity ball for the British Heart Foundation and raised over £10,000.

She currently is fitter than she has ever been. Her business is a success. And she has taught me so much about the attitude to life.

So although it’s not always easy I try to do my best and think that every day is a "gift", that’s why they call it the "present".

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-007- even secret agents have hero’s 😎

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[Nadeje in reply to -007-]

💕💕💕

[Hearthrob]

you're alive...

[Redcoco in reply to Hearthrob]

Very true

[Qualipop]

I didn't have surgery, just a heart attack and stents but even 3 years on I still get bouts of feeling like that. You can ask to see a cardiac psychologist for counselling.

[Ascb]

You should be able to refer yourself to your local NHS IAPT service, who will be able to help with depression. Most iapt services have long term conditions therapists who specialise in things like this. Or your GP can refer you too.

[thehypnotist]

I highly recommend Mindfulness training. The NHS taught me using John Kabbatt Zinn’s basic course😊

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to thehypnotist]

Prof Mark Williams established the Oxford Mindfulness Centre.

Here's a link to some free meditations.

oxfordmindfulness.org/learn...