Managing Surgery Anxiety: How to Prepare and Stay Calm
Facing surgery can be a stressful experience, especially when it comes to the unknown elements of the procedure, such as anaesthesia. While some people may never experience day-to-day anxiety, surgical anxiety is different—it’s a unique response to a very specific set of circumstances. If you’re feeling nervous about your upcoming operation, you're certainly not alone.
Why Do We Fear Surgery?
Many people fear surgery because it involves a loss of control. You're placing your trust in medical professionals while you’re under anaesthesia, and that lack of agency can make anxiety skyrocket. Surprisingly, anaesthesia is much safer than most people think—in fact, it’s statistically safer to get on a bus than to undergo general anaesthesia! The issue is that fear often trumps facts when we face high-stakes situations.
How Anxiety Affects Surgery Decisions
Anxiety can have a profound impact on decision-making. In some cases, up to 5% of surgeries are cancelled because patients feel too anxious to proceed. This doesn’t just affect the patient, but also disrupts the healthcare system, delaying necessary treatments. But it doesn’t have to be this way.
How We Can Help
At Operation Sidekick, we offer a course designed to help you overcome your fears and feel more confident heading into surgery. Our approach includes:
- Breathing techniques: Controlling your breathing is one of the most effective ways to manage your body’s anxiety response. We’ll teach you how to use these techniques to calm your mind and body in the lead-up to your surgery.
- Cognitive reframing: Often, it’s our thoughts that fuel our fears. We’ll help you take control of those negative thoughts and shift your perspective to focus on more realistic outcomes, rather than worst-case scenarios.
- Heart rate control: By learning to calm your physiological response to anxiety, you’ll feel more centred and present, both in the lead-up to the procedure and on the day itself.
What Can You Expect?
Our course is designed to give you tools that you can use at any point, whether you’re months away from surgery or preparing for the big day tomorrow. We guide you step-by-step, helping you understand what to expect and how to manage the fear of the unknown. You’ll walk away with a stronger sense of control, no matter the situation.
If surgery anxiety is holding you back, let us help you.
Visit www.operationsidekick.co.uk to learn more and take the first step towards a calmer, more confident you.