No matter what kind of surgery you’re undergoing, it’s normal to be nervous. However, when it involves the brain, it can be even more frightening. After all, it is this organ that is responsible for thoughts, speech, emotions, vision, movement, and most other processes that happen in the body.
That being said, if the doctors have recommended this surgery, it’s probably in your best interest to go through with it. Regardless of whether you suffer from an anxiety disorder or not, having doubts and being scared is nothing unusual. To ease your worries, here is how you can mentally prepare for brain surgery.
Think positively
Your mindset is the most important here, which is why thinking positively from the start is of the essence. Think about it this way, your doctor recommended this procedure because it is bound to make your life easier. From brain tumors to blood clots and aneurysms, plenty of conditions are easily treatable now when discovered on time. So, why would you bum yourself out and think only about a negative outcome? After this surgery, you will be as good as new and have a completely new lease on life.
Find techniques to handle anxiety
Sure, it’s easy to tell someone to stay calm and think positively but it’s pretty difficult to actually do it. With that in mind, if you’re already anxious about the surgery, you can look into various techniques that can help soothe your nerves. For instance, you can use guided imagery when you start feeling uneasy. The online resources abound, meaning that adopting and using this technique when you get negative thoughts could be a great solution to your issues. Moreover, you can also see if listening to your favorite music can ease your worries as many studies show that this tool can be highly effective. Then, you can also consider touch therapy, pet therapy, scent therapy, and even clown therapy to lower your anxiety. However, keep in mind that there is no valid scientific data that confirms these are 100% effective.
Learn about the procedure
Once you get the news that you might need brain surgery, you want to learn as much as possible about the whole procedure. Fortunately, there are many sources that you can consult on the internet that should provide you with more information.
However, you want to be critical when looking at sources. Don’t believe everything you read but turn to experts in the field and verified studies. You can also look through the stories of other people but keep in mind that everyone can have a different experience.
Consult with your treatment team
In addition to online sources, you also want to consult with the team that will be treating you. If you’re still deciding where to get the surgery, you want to do some research and figure out which is the best option by scheduling a few appointments. Encountering a friendly, trustworthy team will reassure you and help you realize that this surgery is a good thing. So, if you live in Australia, look for reliable experts for brain surgery in Brisbane that have years of experience dealing with cases similar to yours. Have them guide you through the procedure and what you can expect during and after it.
Know which medications you’re allowed to take
If you’re currently taking any meds, you want to consult with your doctors to see whether you need to stop taking them before surgery. In case these meds are antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs, you might feel your anxiety rise even more. That is why it’s important to tell your treatment team which meds you take on a regular basis. What is more, they will also tell you to stop taking medications that increase bleeding or result in blood-thinning as that can lead to problems during surgery. On the other hand, you might be asked to take certain drugs that reduce swelling and seizures prior to going under the knife.
Have a support system of loving people
Finally, it’s of the utmost importance to have loving and supportive people around you. They will not only help you relax before surgery but also be there for you and anything you might need after the procedure.
If you’re having brain surgery any time soon, there are surely a million scenarios going through your head right now. However, stay positive, surround yourself with caring people, and educate yourself as much as possible.