It is normal to have jitters right before a surgery. However, it is important to know that you are not alone. Just think about how many people in the world are going through the same thing and are experiencing the same sort of feelings as you. Here are five tips for reducing those pre-surgery jitters.
Be Informed and Get Educated
One of the reasons for feeling stressed and having anxiety could attribute to that fact that you’re not sure what is going to happen. People naturally want to know and should be informed about the medical issue, what happens during the surgery and what happens after the surgery. It’s also important to ask your surgeon any questions you might have about the procedure and the risks involved. Most people are afraid of the unknown and that can lead to fear. Being informed may help to reduce stress and anxiety as it makes you feel more in control.
Trust Your Doctors
Do some research on the hospital, doctors, and surgeons that you will be dealing with. Gain confidence in your surgical and hospital team, as that will make you feel more comfortable of the situation. Knowing that your health is in someone else’s hands can be a scary thought, but just keep in mind they will make you feel better. By knowing you are in good hands, this will help to calm your pre-surgery jitters.
Relaxation
Relaxation techniques such as muscle relaxation, massages, acupuncture, or aromatherapy can help. These various relaxation techniques can be used to reduce anxiety and stress before an operation.
Create Distractions
Distract your mind from the surgery by reading, listening to music, watching movies, or even through the relaxation techniques discussed above. Studies have shown that listening to music before a surgery can relieve stress and anxiety. Do what makes you feel relaxed and calm.
Medicines
Last, but not least, if you are extremely anxious before a surgery there are medicines that can help you sleep the night before.
References:
**“Reducing Pre Surgery Jitters.” Healthy.net. http://www.healthy.net/Health_Hint/Reducing_Pre_Surgery_Jitters/364.
**“What can help relieve anxiety before surgery?” Informedhealthonline.org. http://www.informedhealthonline.org/what-can-help-relieve-anxiety-before-surgery.2680.en.html?part=vorbereitung-3h.
**“5 Ways To Cure Hospital Anxiety, Surgery Fear, Fear of Medicine.” Healthyplace.com. http://www.healthyplace.com/blogs/anxiety-schmanxiety/2013/04/hospital-anxiety-surgery-fear-and-medicine-worry/.
**“NIH.gov.” Fact sheet: What you can do about anxiety before surgery. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0004973/.
Written by: Sharan Kaur, Rust Built, Marketing Services