How Pre-Surgery Anxiety Affects Your Body and Mind
Surgery can be stressful, with 80% of patients experiencing anxiety in the lead-up to their procedure. But did you know that pre-surgery anxiety can affect not only your mental wellbeing but also your physical health?
Here’s how anxiety impacts your body and mind, and what you can do to reduce it.
1. Physical Symptoms of Anxiety
When you’re anxious, your body activates the "fight or flight" response, releasing stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. This can lead to:
- Increased heart rate
- Higher blood pressure
- Rapid breathing
- Muscle tension
These physical symptoms, if not managed, can also affect your surgery experience by causing complications like increased blood pressure during the procedure.
2. How Anxiety Impacts Recovery
Studies show that patients with high levels of anxiety before surgery tend to have slower recovery times. Stress can impair your body’s ability to heal and even increase the risk of post-surgical complications, such as infection.
3. Cognitive Effects
Anxiety can also affect your cognitive function. When you're overly stressed, you may find it harder to concentrate, remember important details, or make clear decisions regarding your surgery. This mental fog can exacerbate your worries and make you feel less prepared for the procedure.
4. Long-Term Impact
Persistent anxiety can also contribute to the development of chronic stress disorders, such as Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), especially if the surgery was traumatic or highly stressful.
5. Strategies for Managing Anxiety
Luckily, there are effective ways to reduce pre-surgery anxiety:
- Mindfulness Meditation: A proven technique for calming the mind and reducing physical symptoms of anxiety.
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): This type of therapy helps patients reframe negative thoughts about surgery into positive, constructive ones.
- Support Systems: Leaning on family, friends, or support groups can make a big difference in managing stress.
At Operation Sidekick, we offer practical advice and resources to help you manage pre-surgery anxiety. Visit www.operationsidekick.co.uk for more information on how to prepare for your surgery—both mentally and physically.