Connect with people who understand what you are going through, seek advice and surround yourself with support. We're free, anonymous, and professionally moderated 24/7.

47,612Members
1,358,869Posts
1,400,000Visitors

Depression post major surgery

ksNew Contributor03 Nov 2025, 4:12 pm AEDT

Depression post major surgery

My partner had major hip surgery 3 months ago and it is a long recovery process. Her recovery is on track, but she is really frustrated and concerned re returning to normal life, she is also experiencing pain in her other hip and worried about the need for future surgery. Any set back or pain (even when we know it is normal for the stage of recovery) is hitting hard, she is in tears on a daily basis and reading your depression checklist she is showing a number of other signs signaling depression. I have suggested getting help/seeing a GP but she doesn't want to and is saying she just needs to toughen up and wait for further physical tests and scans early next year. I don't know what else to do to support and I am becoming stressed & emotional also which is not helping the situation either. Looking for input as I don't know what to do next.

3 replies

1 - 3 of 3

In response to: Depression post major surgery

ksNew Contributor03 Nov 2025, 4:15 pm AEDT

Re: Depression post major surgery

sorry I think I have posted this in the wrong forum but don't know how to change it ! Happy for the moderator to move it if you want 🙂

In response to: Depression post major surgery

rav3nSenior Contributor03 Nov 2025, 4:43 pm AEDT

Re: Depression post major surgery

hey @ks welcome to the forums! it's nice to e-meet you.

major hip surgery sounds pretty intense, and it's absolutely understandable that she'd feel frustrated and worried at times. i am sorry to hear that it's been hard for you both, it really sucks seeing our loved ones in pain.

encouraging her to chat to her GP sounds like a great idea! sometimes talking to a therapist/counsellor can be helpful in processing the heavier emotions, and perhaps they can offer some strategies (grounding tools, etc) for managing those overwhelming thoughts/feelings. outta curiousity, does she know how stressed you've been feeling?

and importantly, look after yourself too! it can be hard for us to support our loved ones when our tank is empty, so pls do make time to chat to someone and/or do your self-care too 💙

p.s. i've moved it to the family, friends & carers space but if you'd prefer it moved to a different one, let us know - absolutely no trouble at all 😊

In response to: Depression post major surgery

Eve7Senior Contributor03 Nov 2025, 5:04 pm AEDT

Re: Depression post major surgery

Hi @ks and welcome to the forums. I had knee surgery in January which was very painful for the f irst few weeks but it did improve over time and now it’s as good as new.

Your partner is lucky to have you for support. It might be worth checking in with the GP and maybe do the depression checklist. The earlier depression is treated the better the outcome.

Take care

1 - 3 of 3