When Miles Brighton* opted for an elective surgery a year after an emergency operation to repair a broken leg, he knew his condition would improve and associated risks were minimal. The recovery journey had its challenges, though. “I tolerated pain relatively well, but feeling vulnerable refreshed the memory of the accident and its life-long consequences,” says Brighton.
Elective surgeries require some prep work
When preparing for elective surgery, you might anticipate pain, swelling, and limited movement. You’ll be given a recovery timeline. And while the post-surgery physical impact is visible, the emotional impact may be less obvious.
“Even when a surgery is elective, it doesn’t mean it’s emotionally neutral,” says Kaci-Ann Phillips, a certified counsellor in Kamloops, BC. “There can still be grief, fear, or pressure tied to the decision. [People with] past medical trauma, anxiety, or perfectionistic tendencies may experience a heightened emotional response.”
It’s not (just) in your head
Surgery activates our body’s stress response system. Cortisol levels increase, depending on the complexity of the surgery, and elevated amounts of the stress hormone can persist for a few days afterward.
This is not entirely a negative response, as stress hormones along with other hormones that are released during and after surgery contribute to a smoother recovery and lower risk of infection.
However, elevated stress hormone levels can interfere with sleep and emotional regulation. This can be compounded by the effects of anesthesia and post-surgery pain, which can increase the risk of anxiety, moodiness, and irritability.
A 2020 study found that 37 percent of people undergoing surgery experience moderate to high levels of anxiety beforehand, which may hinder their recovery. According to a 2022 study, 23 percent report symptoms of depression after surgery, potentially slowing healing and raising the risk of complications.
“People often underestimate how difficult it can be to temporarily lose independence,” says Phillips. “There is often an emotional response to changes in the body, even if surgery was desired.” Also, she adds, “expectations versus reality are one of the biggest contributors to post-surgical distress.”
Uncertainty about the future, pain, and medication side effects can have an impact on mental health as well.
Surgical stats
- In Canada in 2024, the median wait time between a referral from a general practitioner and receipt of treatment was 30 weeks, up from 27.7 in 2023. Patients waited the longest for orthopedic surgery (57.5 weeks) and neurosurgery (46.2 weeks).
- Shorter wait times between referral and surgery are associated with more noticeable improvements in physical function, fewer complications, less stress, and improved quality of life.
Lingering effects of surgery and anesthesia
While some people bounce back quickly from anesthesia, others may experience a few days of difficulty focusing on tasks, remembering things, or thinking clearly, or they may have temporary sleep disturbances. These effects can be related to the type of surgery they went through, or they may be a result of medication administered before and after procedure.
Post-surgery pain is an individual experience that depends on age, existing chronic pain issues, and pain tolerance—and it can also be intensified by pre-surgery anxiety.
What elective surgery is and isn’t
Elective surgery does not mean unnecessary. It mainly refers to a non-emergency surgical procedure scheduled in advance, as opposed to emergency surgery, which is performed following a serious or life-threatening event.
It is often mistakenly believed that elective surgeries are mostly optional cosmetic procedures, but they also encompass joint replacements, hernia repairs, or even cardiac surgery, all of which can reduce chronic pain, improve mobility, and increase quality of life.
“Post-surgery, including elective, there are several emotional risk factors that can impact mental health and well-being, including isolation; loss of routine and identity; post-procedure blues, which affect some people more than others; and unmet expectations,” says Phillips.
Self-care: before and after
Knowing the timing of your surgery can be both helpful and scary. However, Phillips says, “reducing anxiety before surgery is less about eliminating fear and more about building a sense of safety and preparedness.”
Be informed about what lies ahead as much as possible, she suggests. “Creating a sense of control is key,” Phillips says. “This might include preparing a recovery space, arranging support, or planning for the first few days post-surgery. When people know what happens next, their nervous system often feels safer.”
Nourish your body with nutrient-dense meals and snacks, hydrate properly, and limit or eliminate alcoholic beverages as they can impact sleep, Phillips advises. Metabolic requirements ramp up during recovery, so beneficial nutrients can be particularly helpful (see sidebar).
Sleep is particularly helpful for recovery. It helps people deal with pain, improves immune function and cardiovascular health, reduces inflammation, and decreases the risk of anxiety and depression.
The journey back to health
Struggling after surgery, whether physically or emotionally, is not indicative of a lack of strength or resilience, but rather a sign that your body and brain are doing the demanding work of healing.
It helps to stay connected to your community, Phillips says. “Maintaining connection makes a big difference, and it helps regulate the nervous system,” says Phillips. Be compassionate to yourself throughout the process by focusing on the things you can physically do while recovering.
Post-surgery emotional turmoil does not have a timeline. Give yourself permission to meet it with patience rather than judgment. “Self-talk matters,” says Phillips, “so speaking to yourself with the same patience and care you would offer someone else can be incredibly protective for your mental health.”
There are several nutrients to consider during post-surgery recovery. Always consult a medical practitioner before taking any supplements, as they can interfere with certain medications.
- Protein may help support the maintenance of muscle mass and prevent muscle atrophy.
- Vitamin C may help reduce pain and decrease inflammation.
- Zinc and vitamin E combined may reduce the length of hospital stays in patients undergoing certain cardiac surgeries.
- Magnesium may hep reduce inflammation.
- Vitamin B may help improve tissue recovery following cosmetic surgical procedures.
- Medicinal mushrooms may help with wound healing.
This article was originally published in the July 2026 issue of alive magazine.
