Mental wellbeing

Your mental health matters

Mental health can impact a patient's surgical outcome. In this section you will find links to resources and tools to help your patients prepare psychologically for surgery.

Mental health in the perioperative period

The mind-body connection in surgical preparation is crucial and mental health disorders can impact a patient's recovery after surgery, including longer hospital stays and increased postoperative complications. Addressing mental health concerns before surgery is not only about improving comfort, but also about enhancing physical recovery and overall mental wellbeing.

Surgery isn't just a physical ordeal - it's a mental one too. Many people may feel anxiety or stress about having an operation and here are some tips which may help to alleviate any of these feelings:

  • Make some time for yourself, be kind to yourself
  • Keep active
  • Eat healthier foods
  • Try to limit any alcohol intake
  • Connect and talk with family and friends
  • Go outside and enjoy some fresh air
  • Meditate and use visualisation and breathing techniques

 

Supporting patients and their mental health

Below you will find tools and links to resources to help your patients look after their mind and prepare them for surgery.

 

 

Before and after surgery
  • The use of mindfulness and hypnotherapy to help prepare your patients for surgery. The RCoA in collaboration with the BSCAH have produced a series of recordings for patients to listen to help them relax before surgery and to develop a positive mindset about their procedure and recovery: Preparing your mind before surgery
  • Advice by Medbelle on how best to support you patient's mental health before and after surgery: Mental health before and after surgery
  • Blog by Prof Scarlett McNally on why healthcare professionals should help with perioperative mental health.
  • Blog by Dr Kumar and Dr Brunning who want to help you get healthy, even before you reach the operating theatre
Coping with anxiety
British Heart Foundation, Australian Society of Lifestyle Medicine

Tips and techniques on how to manage anxiety before having a procedure

Social prescribing
Royal College of Psychiatrists

Social prescribing can help to improve a patient's mental and physical health, by connecting them to local non-medical services and activities.

Social prescribing

Sleep

Poor sleep can be triggered by stressful events and good quality is essential pre- and post-surgery for a successful recovery after surgery (e.g. better wound healing and reduce pain after surgery).

  • Sleepio is a NICE-recommended digital treatment for insomnia and poor sleep. The service is free on the NHS in Scotland and in parts of England.
  • Prepwell offer tips and advice on improving sleep
Food and mental health

There is a link between what we eat and how we feel.

Exercise and mental health

Physical activity and exercise can improve our mental health

Other services and organisations that offer help and support

Disclaimer 

CPOC has not undertaken a full review of these resources, unless it specifically states CPOC endorsement has been granted. CPOC is simply providing links to these resources.

Click on the link below for additional CPOC patient resources.