1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Surgery

Understanding and Dealing With a Fear of Surgery

By Jennifer Heisler, RN, About.com

Updated: June 08, 2009

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

5 of 6

Seek Counseling if Your Fear of Surgery Persists

If anxiety persists, even with a full understanding of what is realistic during and after the procedure, counseling may be an option. In situations where surgery can have an impact on self esteem, such as the removal of a breast or surgery that causes erectile dysfunction, counseling may help the patient cope with the changes.

Patients who are having surgery for life threatening illness, such as cancer, may also benefit from speaking to a counselor. Being able to discuss concerns openly with someone who is not directly involved can be very therapeutic, especially if friends and family members are unable to be impartial.

Counseling may also help patients who have had a bad experience with a surgery or healthcare in general to conquer their fear. Most therapists are able to recommend exercises to help control anxiety and the physical response to stress.

Explore Surgery
About.com Special Features

Learn how you can reduce your your numbers with these nutrition and exercise tips. More >

Keep yourself, and your family, happy and healthy this fall with these tips. More >

We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.
  1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Surgery
  4. Coping with Surgery
  5. Surgical Anxiety-How to Treat Surgical Anxiety--Treating Fear of Surgery

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.