Key Takeaways
- It’s natural to feel anxious before your surgery. Whether it’s fear of anesthesia, post-operative pain, or recovery time, knowing your fears is the first step toward overcoming them.
- Learn as much as you can about your procedure, recovery, and your time in the hospital to help eliminate the unknown and empower yourself with knowledge.
- Admit to your surgeon that you’re feeling anxious. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, discuss your concerns, and build trust with your medical team members to find peace of mind.
- Incorporate relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or listening to soothing music to help calm nerves before surgery.
- Turn to your support network. Talk about your feelings with friends and family members, ask for concrete support, and find others going through what you are.
- Eat healthy foods and drink plenty of water. Ensure that you are getting solid sleep to improve your physical and emotional health leading up to surgery.
Building an addition that doesn’t overshadow the historic Motown Museum campus has been a delicate task.
Being anxious about a procedure is completely normal. By employing easy strategies like deep breathing, educating yourself about the procedure, and getting prepared beforehand, you can ease that anxiety significantly.
Using a calm distraction will help you forget your surgery day anxieties. Don’t hesitate to contact your care team or tap into your support network—find support together!
Even if this isn’t your first surgery, it can be scary. By thinking about everything you can control, you’ll be much more confident going into the day.
In our next few posts, we’ll provide you with concrete and realistic ideas for staying composed. You’ll find yourself better equipped to emerge on the other side of this critical juncture.
Why Pre-Surgery Jitters Happen
Pre-surgery jitters are no rarity. It’s an all too familiar scene when patients find themselves feeling anxious before surgery. Know that feeling this way is completely normal.
With surgery comes the fear of the unknown, including the fear of risk, outcomes and the recovery associated with surgery. Research indicates that almost 48% of patients suffer from preoperative anxiety, underscoring just how prevalent this anxiety is.
Understanding why you feel this way will allow you to tackle these emotions head on and feel a greater sense of control again.
Understanding Common Surgery Fears
Many fears associated with surgery have to do with pain, anesthesia and possible complications. On top of all of this, the entire process—from the surgery itself to the post-op experience—is unpredictable, adding to these fears.
For many others, fear of the unknown fuels their anxiety. They’re apprehensive about what will happen during the surgery and even the possibility that something unexpected will come up.
Having open conversations with your medical team can address and reduce these fears. When you prepare with the right questions and knowledge about the procedure, you’ll be more equipped to cope with these anxieties.
Physical Symptoms of Anxiety
Anxiety triggers a lot of physical responses. Palpitations, shortness of breath, and nausea are frequent complaints of patients before surgery.
These body reactions can prevent you from being able to concentrate in your consultations with healthcare providers or from being able to remember key information. Understanding these signs as normal responses to stress can help put your mind at ease.
By recognizing them, you can prepare and take the steps to go after them without being consumed.
Emotional Roots of Nervousness
Emotional factors, like individual fears or past medical experiences, are significant. You may be scared about losing your autonomy, or how your diagnosis will affect your friends and family.
Identifying particular fears, combined with education about the surgery, can help limit anxiety and emotional stress.
Know What to Expect
There’s nothing wrong with feeling nervous before surgery. Research shows that up to 50% of patients report pre-operative anxiety with symptoms ranging from restlessness to increased levels of fear and panic. With knowledge of what to expect, you can turn your questions into assuredness.
Knowing what to expect can help you feel more confident and in control, leading to a much smoother process.
Talk Openly With Your Surgeon
Developing a trusting relationship with your surgeon starts with clear, honest, and timely communication. Write down a list of detailed questions regarding your procedure, recovery, or possible risks. Having the questions in advance makes sure no detail is missed and allows you time to answer tougher questions in greater detail.
Opening up about your concerns—concerns that go beyond the clinical setting and encompass individual anxieties—develops an open, trusting relationship with your surgical team. Just the process of putting your ideas out there works to build confidence, particularly when you know you’ve been truly listened to.
Having a friend or family member with you for doctor visits allows you to process information more thoroughly while making sure all your questions get asked.
Understand Your Procedure Clearly
Casting the process in terms of simple, sequential tasks can take some of the scare out of it. Knowing what to expect with the surgery takes away the unknown. From the pre-operative prep to the final sutures, this information sets you up for success and a positive headspace.
Our production team focuses on being transparent about what to expect, leaving no stone unturned. Having that clarity allows you to get an image in your mind, and get your mind around what is to come.
Learn About the Recovery Process
A concrete timeline, possible side effects, and outlined aftercare measures provide guidance on surgery instructions and help diminish anxiety levels, ensuring you are better informed and equipped for your upcoming procedure.
Practical Tips for Staying Calm
When you’re getting ready to face the OR, many patients experience surgery anxiety as a flood of feelings and thoughts come to the surface. For almost half of surgical patients, managing anxiety levels becomes crucial. It’s important to remember that taking proactive steps, such as practicing breathing exercises, can help diminish anxiety and keep you calm and focused in the run-up to your upcoming procedure.
1. Practice Deep Breathing Exercises
Deep breathing is one of the easiest ways to control rising levels of anxiety. Begin this practice by breathing in through your nose. Next, hold your breath for several seconds and gradually exhale through your mouth to help reduce stress.
When you practice this each day with focused intention, you form a new calming muscle memory that grows deeper with each repetition. When combined with EFT, this technique is dramatically more effective. Tapping merges acupressure with emotional awareness, flooding your system with the cortisol-busting powers of calm intent and awareness, sending healing messages to the mind, body and spirit.
2. Try Guided Imagery or Meditation
Guided imagery, in which nurses guide patients through visualizing successful surgery outcomes and a smooth recovery, promotes a hopeful mindset. One big part of meditation is mindfulness, or the practice of being aware of the present moment.
Even spending 10–15 minutes a day on these practices will make a big difference in calming pre-surgery nerves and clearing your mind.
3. Listen to Calming Music Playlists
In this way, music can be a great molder of mood. Create a playlist of calming music, like classical music or nature sounds, and listen to it when you start feeling anxious.
Exploring various genres awakens the subtler beauty of this craft, while allowing you to develop the space that’s most welcoming to you.
4. Plan Distractions You Enjoy
Activities such as gardening, reading, or other light crafts can help distract your mind and keep you focused. Activities that promote creativity or relaxation provide a mental escape from surgery-related thoughts.
Having an enjoyable schedule on surgery eves keeps your attitude in the right place!
5. Prepare Your Home for Recovery
Preparing a comfy recovery area stocked with things like pillows, blankets, and fun distractions will help make your child’s post-surgery discomfort a little less scary.
It’s easier when medications, water, snacks, etc. Are close at hand. Bring allies. Friends or family members can provide valuable support to keep you calm and focused on this journey.
6. Pack Your Hospital Bag Early
Summer summer shopping well ahead of time keeps you from fighting that last freakout push. Consider a go bag filled with the basics—think toiletries, weather-appropriate changes of clothing, and items that offer emotional comfort (like a favorite book or pictures of loved ones).
Using a checklist means you can be assured you won’t forget any critical items.
7. Focus on Positive Outcomes
Looking forward to the positive changes surgery will make in your life can help you stay on track. Develop positive affirmations, such as “I am equipped and willing to heal,” to lift your mood.
By communicating your aspirations to friends and family, you open the door for support and build up a network of emotional reinforcements.
8. Write Down Your Worries
Drawing or writing in a journal can be a therapeutic method for students to process fears. Writing down fears and then countering them with positive affirmations helps prepare and completely reshapes fears into manageable ideas.
Sharing these entries with a trusted friend or therapist creates a whole new level of mental relief and accountability.
9. Gentle Movement If Approved
If approved by your physician, low-impact exercises such as stretching or yoga can mitigate anxiety. By combining breath awareness with physical practice, yoga can reduce both your stress levels and blood pressure.
Be in tune with your body and do what feels good and safe.
10. Limit Stressful News Intake
Avoiding unnecessary exposure to upsetting or negative world events, news, or media can help avoid added stress and anxiety. Rather than dive into the news, pick something restorative though—books, shows, podcasts that leave you feeling hopeful and inspired.
Transforming stressful content into relaxing alternatives cultivates a more tranquil mentality.
Lean on Your Support System
During this anxious time, many patients may encounter emotional hurdles that are daunting, especially when dealing with preoperative anxiety related to their upcoming procedure. The experience of feeling like an imposter is often improved greatly by your support system. Whether it’s emotional reassurance, practical help, or simply staying connected, leaning on others can make a world of difference in preparing for the day ahead.
Share Feelings with Loved Ones
Having those conversations with friends or family members you trust will alleviate some of the emotional burden. When you express your feelings honestly, you give the people close to you the opportunity to comfort and support you, which helps alleviate anxiety. Not only does vulnerability deepen relationships, but it can re-assure you that you’re not the only one on this journey.
If you’re getting anxious about the process, seek out a friend who’s completed it. Opening up about your realistic, tactical fears with them would provide you with confidence-building perspective and encouragement.
Even lighthearted activities, like playing Exploding Kittens or Dungeons & Dragons with loved ones, can create moments of normalcy and joy during a stressful time.
Ask Friends for Practical Help
The people in your support system can help you with tasks that might seem daunting on your own. They can help you get to appointments, serve as supports to help you eat well, and provide support by organizing your post-surgery care.
Accepting help lightens your load and gives family members and friends the opportunity to get involved in your recovery. Be specific about what you need—whether that’s assistance with tasks like grocery shopping or just having someone available to call and check in.
Connect with Online Support Groups
Online communities can provide not only the support but the specific encouragement from those who just get it. These platforms, whether it be a small forum or a large social media group, can help you give and receive advice, ask questions, and offer support—or just rage!
Reading about how others conquered those same hurdles can be surprisingly comforting, especially when they dish their best tips and tricks. Look for communities—whether academic, social, or extracurricular—that focus on uplifting to create your own supportive circle.
Mind Your Body Before Surgery
Preparation for surgery extends beyond just getting your body physically ready. As much as we should all focus on remaining physically fit, we must put just as much emphasis on developing habits that strengthen our mental health. Anxiety before surgery is incredibly prevalent, with almost 50% of all patients having surgical anxiety.
Signs such as a knotted gut, jaw clenching, or daily headaches can indicate pre-surgery anxiety. By implementing healthy practices, you can be more comfortable and prepared before surgery.
Eat Nourishing, Comforting Foods
Eating a well-balanced diet is among the most effective measures you can take to nurture both body and mind before surgical trauma. Nutrient-dense foods—such as leafy greens, whole grains, and lean proteins—deliver long-burning energy and stabilize mood.
Foods high in potassium like bananas and nuts high in magnesium have all been credited with their relaxing properties. Appropriate nutrition is the foundation of your health. Eating delicious and nourishing foods, such as a steaming bowl of soup or roasted chicken with mashed potatoes, energizes you and makes you happy.
Simply focus on the middle ground between treating yourself and feeding yourself in order to keep your body running.
Prioritize Getting Restful Sleep
Quality sleep has been shown to be an essential factor for not only decreasing anxiety but increasing emotional resilience. Weaving in a soothing pre-bed routine—like lowering the lights, screen-free time, sipping on chamomile tea—will set the stage for sleepiness to arrive.
Good sleep hygiene, such as maintaining a cool, quiet bedroom, can ensure healthy sleep. Improving your sleep can increase mental clarity, making you feel better prepared and in control as surgery day looms.
Stay Hydrated As Advised
Hydration is one aspect that patients don’t always prioritize. Hydration is key to overall physical and mental wellness. Staying hydrated helps with circulation, energy and relaxation.
Make sure to follow any doctor-specific hydration instructions so you know you’re adequately prepared.
The Day Before and Morning Of
Being calm before surgery, especially when dealing with preoperative anxiety, begins with planning ahead and paying attention to detailed surgery instructions. Taking these steps makes it easier to tackle anxiety head on and lay the groundwork for a positive, successful surgical experience.
Follow Pre-Op Instructions Carefully
Pre-operative instructions are meant to protect your health and safety, as well as the success of your surgery. Begin by developing a basic checklist of your requirements. This could be anything from fasting instructions, which medications to discontinue or take on the day of, to hygiene precautions such as showering with an antiseptic soap beforehand.
When you check off each item, you’re eliminating margin for error and putting yourself in a position of control. If you’re confused about anything, don’t hesitate to ask your healthcare provider to clarify what’s going on. Smart planning will save you the last-minute scramble and ensure that your event goes off without a hitch.
Arrange Calm Transportation Plans
With reliable transportation, you can begin your day without the stress of avoidable anxiety and concern. Coordinate a ride home with a friend or family member you trust, or schedule a rideshare to coincide with when you’ll be heading home.
Tell your driver where to go and when to go in the procedure. Please be sure to note your individual requirements, including if you require assistance with mobility. With a well-crafted plan, you’ll be sure to make it to where you need to go on time and still get back home safely.
Use Relaxation Techniques Again
Relaxation techniques that your child has been practicing ahead of time can help him or her remain calm on the day of surgery. Deep breathing, for example, is a great way to calm a racing heart.
Visualization exercises, such as visualizing a calm and peaceful environment or location, can reduce anxiety. These tiny rituals encourage a sense of equilibrium that sets you up to make the most of each day.
Wear Comfortable Clothing
Choose loose-fitting garments. Consider loose-fitting, breathable outfits to make you comfortable and assist with post-op recovery.
Clothing with layers allows you to prepare for drastic changes between hospital locations. Feeling comfortable in what you’re wearing increases feelings of relaxation and makes day-to-day activities feel more practical and possible.
Professional Help for Severe Anxiety
Pre-surgery anxiety is an unavoidable reality for almost half of all patients, with 48% feeling severe jitters prior to their procedure. Though understandable, these feelings can be and often become all-consuming—which means knowing when to seek professional help is crucial.
For many people, severe anxiety manifests as excessive worrying, insomnia, and in some cases it can lead to physical ailments such as nausea. If these signs feel unmanageable, reaching out for support is a vital step to prioritize your mental well-being during this stressful period.
When Jitters Feel Overwhelming
It’s okay to feel anxiety, but when it starts to interfere with everyday living, that is a cue you need to do something. Discuss your worries with a trusted confidant, such as a family member, friend, or support group member.
Support groups can offer you down-to-earth advice and validation that can help you survive the storm. We know your mental health is just as important as your physical health.
When anxiety is treated early and aggressively, it can make a tremendous difference.
Discuss Options with Your Doctor
First, make a list of concerns, starting with identifiable triggers or fears related to surgery. Be honest about these with your doctor, who hopefully can help get you through them with short-term relief, such as anti-anxiety medications.
Our anesthesiologists take a multimodal approach to your pain and anxiety. They pair medications that address inflammation and muscle spasms with clinical techniques to keep you calm.
Partnering with trusted health care providers helps you best express your needs and worries.
Consider Short-Term Therapy
Therapy provides a tangible, positive outlet to address surgery-day nerves before the big day. An experienced therapist can help you deal with these moments, introducing coping techniques that work best for you so that you can take charge of your severe anxiety.
Even short-term therapy — just a few sessions — can equip a child to handle anxiety leading up to, and in recovery from surgery.
My Personal Take on Jitters
Preparing for surgery can put you in a whirlwind of feelings, and having pre-surgery jitters is perfectly natural. I’ve interviewed hundreds of patients about this theme. I know now that what you need more than money is the right mindset and support and that really, really makes a difference.
It’s not about silencing your anxiety but finding ways to work through it with actionable tactics.
Trusting Your Skilled Medical Team
One of the best ways to reduce anxiety before surgery is developing trust in your medical team. Our entire surgical staff was so confident and reassuring that I could get the care I need that it truly set a calm environment.
Your crew has labored for decades to perfect their art, and they are deeply committed to your security and welfare. When patients can remind themselves of this fact, reassurance usually takes the place of anxiety.
Trust isn’t just comforting—it’s empowering, as it allows you to have the strength of knowing we’ve got your back through every stage.
Reframing Fear into Readiness
Though unpleasant, fear is sometimes the best indicator that you might be on the cusp of doing something meaningful. Seeing your upcoming surgery as an important step toward improved health can help you change your perspective.
Rather than fear the journey, acknowledge the great things to come, such as increased mobility or relief from pain. When people express self-doubt, I frequently recommend that they turn scary thoughts around and create affirmations instead.
So instead of saying to yourself, “I’m afraid of all these complications,” reframe it as “I’m doing something very positive for my recovery.
Celebrating Small Pre-Op Wins
Recognizing even the minor wins can help create a snowball effect of success, which fosters confidence. Getting pre-op things done—lab tests, packing a hospital bag—can feel like an epic success.
Even if you just quit smoking before surgery, that’s definitely something to celebrate! Rewards, whether it’s a favorite meal or time spent with pets, can reinforce your progress and help you feel more prepared.
Conclusion
It’s normal to feel nervous before surgery, but you certainly don’t have to allow those jitters to run the show. Planning in advance, relying on family and friends, and concentrating on practical techniques to reduce stress and anxiety can go a long way. From deep breathing to distractions to staying more active, each bit makes an impact. Remember that you have trust in your care team and in the plans you’ve made. Remember, you aren’t in this alone, and it’s perfectly natural to seek help when you’re feeling overwhelmed.
Deal with it one minute at a time, and don’t forget – your peace of mind is key. If the anxiety is feeling overwhelming, talking to a mental health professional will take some of the weight off. Together, we can make it happen. Take control, remain calm, and allow yourself to exhale throughout the experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes pre-surgery jitters?
Jitters before surgery often arise from surgery anxiety related to fear of the unknown, pain, or anxiety about the results of the surgical procedure, reflecting the body’s typical response to impending surgery.
How can I mentally prepare for surgery?
Understanding the upcoming procedure and discussing concerns with your physician can help diminish anxiety and provide reassurance.
What are some quick ways to stay calm before surgery?
Techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or even listening to relaxing music can significantly diminish anxiety levels. These methods help calm both your mind and body, easing surgery anxiety.
Why is having a support system important?
Friends and family are critical sources of emotional support, providing comforting reassurance that can help diminish anxiety levels. Having an honest conversation with someone you trust will go a long way in lessening preoperative anxiety.
What should I avoid eating or drinking before surgery?
Listen to your doctor’s guidelines, but in general don’t consume anything through the mouth for at least 8–12 hours before surgery. This helps minimize surgery anxiety and ensures that the risk during anesthesia is as minimal as possible.
How can I sleep better the night before surgery?
Create a soothing pre-sleep ritual to diminish anxiety levels. Cut back on caffeine, reduce screen time, and practice relaxation techniques to prepare your mind for sleep.
When should I seek professional help for severe anxiety?
When your preoperative anxiety becomes bigger or scarier than you can handle, talk to your doctor. They can suggest therapy or prescribe anxiety medication to assist in overcoming these challenges.