Strategies to Aid in Controlling Pre-Surgery Anxiety
Navigating anxiety before surgery is a usual experience, whether the procedure is minor or major. Surgery is at times crucial for addressing various health conditions, yet the anticipation can induce fear due to associated risks.
Preparation for the surgical process itself is a significant step, especially for patients feeling uncertainty. Dr. Giana Davidson, a general surgeon at UW Medical Center - Montlake, suggests various strategies to ease preoperative apprehension.
Empowered Decision-Making
According to Davidson, healthcare professionals value your autonomy as a patient. In their commitment to supporting your decision-making process, they may suggest seeking a second opinion or discussing alternative treatment options. Before your surgery, she recommends that your surgeons address anxiety by discussing your treatment plan, explaining the procedure in straightforward language, and sharing details about what to expect before, during, and after the procedure with you and your loved ones.
Some healthcare systems, such as UW Medicine, offer additional resources, like video or written guides, to help you prepare for your surgery.
Managing Preoperative Anxiety
Even with comprehensive information about your surgery, additional measures can help you feel more prepared.
Comprehensive Note-Taking
Keeping yourself well-informed by writing down questions and concerns before and during your appointments can help calm your mind and alleviateworst-case scenarios. Davidson advises that clinical teams, including nurses, anesthesiologists, and advanced practice practitioners, are available to answer your questions.
Whole-Body Care
While anxiety may make you want to isolate, it's essential to prioritize self-care before the surgery. Adequate nutrition and a good sleep schedule are crucial for managing stress and aiding in recovery. Mindfulness techniques and meals that reduce stress levels can help manage anxiety.
Building a Support System
Having a strong support system made up of family and friends can offer emotional comfort. Loved ones can help drive you home after general anesthesia, provide comfort during the recovery period, and offer emotional support before the surgery. If anxiety interferes with daily activities, such as work or sleep, communicate with your clinical team.
As surgeons, they collaborate with other specialists to ensure the safest possible surgical experience. This includes addressing patients' emotional well-being alongside their physical condition. In cases of severe anxiety, they may consult mental health professionals.
- In the process of supporting informed decision-making for patients, healthcare professionals, such as Dr. Giana Davidson, suggest discussing treatment plans, explaining procedures in clear language, and sharing details about what to expect before, during, and after surgery, including with loved ones.
- To manage preoperative anxiety beyond comprehensive information, patients can take comprehensive notes of questions and concerns, prioritize self-care through adequate nutrition, good sleep schedules, and stress-reducing meals, and build a strong support system of loved ones who can offer comfort during recovery and emotional support before the surgery.
- In some cases, surgeons collaborate with mental health professionals when severe anxiety interferes with daily activities or requires additional emotional support to ensure the safest possible surgical experience, taking into account both the patient's physical condition and mental health.
