Discover strategies for sustaining emotional well-being post-ostomy surgery, including mindfulness, exercise, a healthy lifestyle, and therapy. Find resources and support groups to aid in your recovery.
The first few weeks to months after having ostomy surgery can be difficult not only physically but also emotionally. Mental health and emotional well-being are key to a happy and healthy life after surgery. Here are some things to consider in order to maintain good emotional well-being.
Mindfulness
“A mental state achieved by focusing one’s awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one’s feelings, thoughts and bodily sensations.”
Some examples include yoga, journaling, meditation, breathing exercises, colouring, etc. This may help you to manage stress, cope better and reduce anxiety or depression. Practicing mindfulness may allow you to better process and work through the emotions that come with having surgery.
- Tip: try to be present with how your body feels and what thoughts come to mind. Sit with them, and let them pass.
Exercise
“To engage in physical activity to sustain or improve health and fitness.”
Some examples of things to try after ostomy surgery include swimming, abdominal strength exercises, walking, yoga or cycling. Light to moderate regular exercise can help improve overall quality of life, help boost endorphins (our brain’s feel-good neurotransmitter), decrease stress and improve mood. Maintaining a good level of physical health is also beneficial in our recovery after ostomy surgery.
Healthy Lifestyle
“A lifestyle that includes activities and habits that encourage the development of total physical, mental, and spiritual fitness.”
Some examples include getting enough mental and physical rest, practicing self-care, having a support system in place, socializing, and having ways to boost your mood, like exercise or art. These are all things you can do to help you recover from ostomy surgery and stay healthy and happy!
Therapy
“The use of psychological methods and systems to treat people with depression, anxiety and other mental health concerns.”
If you are having an especially difficult time with your emotions or stress after surgery, a great option could be therapy. Therapists can help you work through emotions and develop strategies to help you manage stress and other challenges.
Resources for Emotional Wellness Post-Ostomy Surgery:
- Find an ostomy support group: https://www.ostomycanada.ca/find-a-chapter-peer-support-group/
- Get a Certified Ostomy Visitor: https://www.ostomycanada.ca/ostomy-canada-visitor-program/
- Find other support: https://cmha.ca/find-info/mental-health/general-info/
Source
By Hannah Martin-Spencer, Ostomy Canada Marketing Team.
Hannah, a passionate 23-year-old from the Greater Toronto Area, is expanding her expertise in acupuncture at a Calgary post-secondary institution. With a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and a minor in Psychology, she blends her knowledge into her new acupuncture pursuit. Diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at 16 and unsuccessful biological drug treatments, she underwent ileostomy surgery at 20. Hannah is driven to advocate for ostomy individuals. As a new volunteer, she will support Ostomy Canada with social media and fundraising. She enjoys outdoor activities, baking, and painting in her free time. Hannah’s journey of resilience and determination, with her ostomy transformation showcasing her strength, aims to inspire and support the ostomy community.
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