Question:
Any tips for depression for newly post?

Depressed, Down, Feeling "what have I done", head hungry etc.etc.etc.....will I get over all this soon? Want to feel excited..not down about this.    — Debora H. (posted on January 20, 2001)

January 20, 2001
I just wanted to let you know that you are not alone. I am 4.5 weeks post op and in a deep depression. I sleep a lot and when I'm not sleeping I am sitting or laying on the couch. Needless to say, my house is a mess and I haven't seen my kids' homework in weeks. I hope we pull out of this soon...
   — Robin Q.

January 20, 2001
I am 4 1/2 weeks post op and had a rough time with "what have i done?" and not seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Oddly enough what really pulled me out of it was going back to work, I got out of the house for 4 hours and socialized w/ my friends and coworkers. That and being able to eat soft solid food instead of liquids made me feel like things returned to normal. If you can't return to work just yet then go to the library or walk around the mall, just get out of the house for a while. Good luck and God bless :-)
   — Stephanie D.

January 20, 2001
I went through that also. But I accepted it for what it was, a temporary condition. I figured I had just gone through a major assult on my body , the anistetic alone takes it's toll on you , not to mention the pain medications. Don't be so hard on yourself , you are not superwoman . Go with the flow .If you don't feel like cleaning...don't clean. The mess will be there another day. Your kids will survive , and life will go on. I agree with Stephanie , get out of the house for a while , even if to walk down the block , or around your house OUTSIDE. It will make a difference . I used to go out for an hour then come home and sleep for 3or4 hours. SO WHAT. That was what my body needed so that is what I gave it. I recovered , my husband lived through it , and my house is still standing. Go easy on yourself. You are worth it. God bless.
   — Rose A.

January 20, 2001
Debora, hang in there. This is very normal and many of us have been through it. When I was 3 weeks post-op, I noticed I was going through depression. I had no idea why. I wasn't upset about anything. My surgery went great. But what I did realize was that I was being very, very hard on myself making sure I got enough water, protein, right types of food, exercise, etc. I was expecting too much of myself too soon. The fact is that we have made radical eating, health, emotional and physical changes. I read a bunch of posts from others who had experienced the same thing. I cut myself some slack!!! Then my depression went away immediately! Hang in there. This too shall pass, I promise. Hugs and smiles!!! :):):)
   — Paula G.

January 20, 2001
Deborah! Baby yourself! Take hot bubble baths, burn good smelling candles, wear flannel (the SINGLE most mood lifting thing I have are flannel pants!), use great smelling lotions, walk! Now is the time to learn what things comfort you besides food. I never knew that! Food hid everything to me. Now, I appreciate so many other things that I never knew before- all of the above and more! What you are going through is normal and difficult, but you will get through it. My advice is not to try and tough it out, but to baby yourself as much as you can and listen to yourself- it may be the first time you heard!!! Good Luck- it does get better!
   — M B.