[GauntsGhost]

I'm here looking for help. Just before Christmas I was in a car accident that left me with a broken foot. I went in for surgery and everything came out successful and complication free as of now. I did not experience much pre surgery anxiety as my surgeon was very positive and very confident. Then the holidays kicked in and that distracted me for awhile. But now that's all over and the realization that I have already been sidelined for nearly three weeks with seven weeks to go is killing me. First, the boredom kicked in. I'm used to being a person constantly on the go. Driving, working, doing things all the time. Being forced to sit home all day every day is just killing me. I go out occasionally but I try to take it easy to avoid re-injury. Recently, being faced with the difficulty of even the simplest tasks upsets me. Going to the bathroom, showering, getting food once easy tasks are either impossible or take forever to complete. At times I just feel so overwhelmed, the inability to run daily, walk, work, or even drive upsets me. Recently, at times begin breaking down and crying, admitting to myself that I don't know how I'm going to make seven more weeks. I can't find anything that keeps interested or cheer me up. I sometimes just don't even see the point of leaving my bed as I can't do anything to begin with except hobble around on crutches. I feel emotionally, physically, and mentally drained. I feel lost and alone in all this. I'm used to being independent, and being forced to constantly ask for help or wait for someone to come take care me makes it worse. On top of this I'm also going through separate relationshipish issues that throw more emotional stress into the mix.

[Rohag]

I just feel so overwhelmed...breaking down and crying...I can't find anything that keeps interested or cheer me up...

Hello & Welcome, GauntsGhost. You've certainly been hit with a major cluster of stressors that has pushed your resilience to the limits. It would be valuable to bring up the depressive symptoms you face with your treatment team as soon as possible.

Please make yourself at home here.

[waterknob1234]

Hello and welcome, GauntsGhost. Injury and/or surgery is a major disruption to your normal life. Being unable to do your normal everyday stuff, on top of possible postop pain makes life hard. Then if you were a runner, or avid exercise buff, not being able to do this maybe is contributing to the depression. I have read that running and exercise causes our bodies to produce chemicals in the brain that cause a happy feeling. As you have had so much to cope with I understand your depression. I agree you should tell your doctor about the depression as soon as possible. The doctor may prescribe some helpful treatment.

Meanwhile, in time you will heal and be able to go back to your normal life. This too shall pass.