4 Causes Responsible for Post Transgender Surgery Depression.

Nov 4

If you have ever had a major surgery, you will attest to experiencing some level of depression after. In fact, depression after surgery is a common experience.

But when you have spent most of your life waiting for gender affirming surgery(s), experiencing post surgery depression can feel like a shock!

This shock oftentimes brings up confusing emotions.

And let me be very clear in saying that these confusing emotions almost never have anything to do with a desire to de-transition. And everything to do with dissonance of desiring to have the surgery so badly and suddenly finding yourself experiencing depression.

The truth is there are many reasons why you may experience post surgery depression. Not to mention having your body go through a major surgery!

Here are 4 of the main reasons responsible for post transgender surgery depression. If you find yourself experiencing any or all of this, remember it is a common experience.

#1 HORMONES

Firstly, let me say that anxiety and stress one experiences in anticipation of surgery has an effect on your hormones.
As if that wasn’t enough, many doctors require their transgender patients to stop HRT for a period of time prior to surgery.
This is primarily to reduce the risks such as blood clotting and other concerns.
Any changes to your HRT regimen, including stopping hormones, is known to affect mood, energy levels, and the overall psychological well being of a person.
This alone result in post surgical depression as your body begins to regain hormone levels.

#2 PRE-SURGICAL ANXIETY

Many individuals seeking gender affirming surgery have never had surgery before.
Not knowing what to anticipate, leads to anxiety.
Fears of the unknown.
Surgical complications.
Post op recovery.
And other factors related to surgery.
The anticipated anxiety is completely normal. However, it often results in feelings of depression after the surgery.
That’s because one has to confront some part of their fears. For example, if there are any complications associated with surgery as one was fearfully anticipating, that will lead to feelings of depression.

#3 CHANGES IN ROUTINE AND ACTIVITY

We tend to take our daily comfort for granted.
When we experience changes in our routine and daily activities, depression often follows.
Being confined to bed, whether for a few days or weeks, will bring up feelings of depression.
Vulnerability often follows. Having to physically rely on our support system for assistance will further bring up feelings of depression.
For those lacking support, finding yourself alone, in the hospital, is emotionally difficult.

#4 GRIEF

Feelings of grief are very common following the surgery.
For many, they are accompanied by feelings of loss.
Family.
Friends.
Career.
Financial income and even stability.
The life created up to the point.
Relationships.
Others, may feel grief associated with the entire process.
Feelings of anger may surface. Wondering why me? Why do I have to go through this? Why couldn’t I just be born in my true gender?

As you can see, all these questions will bring up feelings of depression. It is important to remain in the present. To focus on recovery. And on the life ahead of you!

It can be incredibly difficult to cope during this time. And I encourage you to reach out toward your support system or others around you for help.