When it comes to recovering after joint replacement surgery, much of the focus is placed on overcoming physical symptoms and limitations, and this makes sense because these issues are the most obvious. However, it’s imperative that you don’t overlook your mental health while you’re working to recover after joint replacement surgery, because the operation and recovery can take a significant toll on your mental health. In today’s blog, we share some tips for managing your mental health before and after a joint replacement procedure.
Depression and Joint Replacement
May is National Mental Health Awareness Month, so it seems like a fitting time to talk about your mental health during the joint replacement process. Depression and anxiety affects millions of Americans in all walks of life, but studies have found that it also affects a greater portion of patients who are undergoing joint replacement surgery.
There are a number of factors that can play into the onset of anxiety and depression after a joint replacement procedure. You’re going to be physically uncomfortable after surgery and as you work your way through rehab, and you’re also going to be physically limited for an extended period of time. This process can also be isolating, as you may be physically limited from connecting with others and you may feel like nobody understands what you’re going through during recovery. Your brain and your body may also be affected by medications or painkillers that you take after your procedure, which can pose risks for your mental health. In all, the procedure and recovery can be physically and mentally stressing, and that can weigh heavily on your mental health.
Combating these potential threats to your mental health won’t be easy, but you can work to mitigate them by taking a few steps before and after your procedure. Some tips for reducing your likelihood of being affected by anxiety and depression after joint replacement include:
- Realistic Expectations – It’s important that you and your doctor sit down and get on the same page in terms of your recovery expectations. Few things are more likely to trigger depressive symptoms after surgery than frustration caused by mismatched expectations. Know that you’re in store for an uncomfortable and gradual recovery process. Take solace in knowing that it will all be worth it in the end, but it won’t be a walk in the park. Manage your expectations, and you won’t be stressed as a result of perceived problems with your recovery timeline.
- Be Aware Of Your Mental Health – Make it a point to focus on your mental health during your recovery instead of solely focusing on your physical symptoms. Indulge in activities that challenge and excite your brain, and stay connected with friends and family throughout your recovery.
- Don’t Settle – Some people end up depressed or underwhelmed with their physical recovery after joint replacement, and oftentimes this is tied to their work effort during rehabilitation. Don’t skip PT sessions or stop pursuing your exercises until you’ve been cleared by a physician. If you don’t put in the work during the early stages of recovery, you may be limiting your functional recovery, and these physical limitations can weigh heavy on your mind.
- Healthy Habits – Make sure that you are pursuing some other healthy habits during the course of your recovery that promote ideal mental health. Consume a healthy diet full of key vitamins and nutrients, and strive to get quality sleep each night. This will help provide the right environment for improved physical and mental health during your rehab.
- Open Up – Finally, if you are dealing with any mental health issues or depressive thoughts during your rehab period, let your doctor know. It’s completely normal to deal with stress and anxiety following joint replacement, but don’t keep these feelings bottled up. Simple tweaks or adjustments to your care can help improve your mental health, but we can’t get you this help if we don’t know about your symptoms, so please keep your care team updated about your mental health.
Recovering after joint replacement is more than just a challenge for your physical health, it will also test your mental health. We know how to care for all aspects of your health following joint replacement, so let us help you make a full recovery after surgery. For more information, or for help with a different joint-related issue, reach out to Dr. Botero and his team today at (865) 558-4444.
