I have been warned about post op GCS depression so I have been thinking about it. I think it is a given that the meds, the pain, and the tired state can definitely set the stage for a period of depression. The part that I am curious about is does anti climax play a part. I was thinking about being a kid and how Christmas went. The buildup, the excitement and anticipation makes for such a great morning of opening presents and being with family. By the night, I remember feeling like all the excitement was over. It was kind of depressing. It took a while to find the new focus. We look forward to having the surgery like it is Christmas morning. When it is over, could it be depressing that the excitement is over (with only the pain and rehab left)? The mind then has to shift to less exciting , even boring normal life. I could see that being depressing. Any thoughts?
Moni
Oh, best present ever!!!!

I didn't have depression but my emotions were all over the place. I didn't understand it at the time but I suspect it was the result of dropping from normal T levels with no estrogen to nothing. I was upset in ways I shouldn't have been. Because my stay ran over, a nurse approached me gently asking how I would pay the excess charges. It wasn't a problem because I had the cash in a saving account. I wasn't worried about spending the money but the though that I couldn't pay right now because I had to fly home and transfer the money to the checking account bother me. I couldn't connect with the thought that they were willing to wait for the money and I felt they had to have it right now. Those emotions brought me to the point of tears.

I suspect most any emotionally sensitive thought under those conditions could result in an unexpected result. Possibly like when I lost my job after surgery, there could be a response like I wouldn't have lost my job if I hadn't had the surgery. I suspect a strong support network after surgery could help to pull people out of those emotional ruts before they become so deep that they are difficult to get out of.

I was warned about it too, but from my understanding part of why is the fact that it comes down to what next. I suddenly have no next step and it becomes what is there for me to do when the focus all of a sudden shifts. I have not had any post op depression yet.  Hugs
Mariah

I am going thru the process right now (GCS 10/26) ..I went into this expecting the worse... my depression is much better than I thought.. ( i think my sudden lack of T has helped greatly )...
the Dilation schedule is wearing me down abit.. no major issues or pain... But you have to look at the long view.. I don't notice any improvements on a daily basis.. but I can look back and see a little change over a week... I believe things will turn out awesome... but it will take months to get there...
baby steps...
over all.. so far so good..considering..

I am 11 weeks post op and have not yet experienced any post op depression. I guess I have just been lucky.

I never had post-op depression.  Maybe some anxiety... but that went away after my first orgasm.

I was never told there may be depression after surgery and never had any at all. I do know of a post-op who is seven months post-op who was depressed before surgery and her mindset is no different after surgery.

I was also warned about post op depression. I had it a little during diliation in the first 3 weeks due to stitch year resulting in low level pain for three weeks. None since but my two friends who had surgery at the same time did get post op depression some 3 to 4 months later. They are fine now. Not sure what causes it but its a combination of the above posts, plus I feel the length of being under GA. My friends were under for 6 to 7 hours  while mine was only 4.

I know some post op women who have had really significant fatigue following GCS. The kind of fatigue that can cause depression.  They consensus was that it was due to the complete loss of testicular testosterone production.  I learned from them that some trans women actually have to have testosterone replacement to get back up to natural female levels. This really scares me because I have had problems with fatigue and depression in the past.   My dad had a non-trans related orchidectomy and he was ok, but it's still a big concern and a fear that weighs on me.  I want the surgery but the possible side effects are scary.

   It makes sense that any change in hormone level might cause a "disturbance in the Force" in the form of mood swing or depression. My surgeon already discussed the idea of T replacement in the context of having sexual desire. I tend to think, Emily Jane, that adjustments can be made if the problem is from T loss.
   I guess my original thought process for this thread was not so much organic causes of depression as much as mental outlook type causes. Like Mariah mentioned, is it distressing not seeing the next step? I think anyone who has accomplished transition milestones has had to be in battle mode to get things done. You have to fight to make the body match the mind. Whether you call getting GCS a time of  stress or excitement, it would seem like afterward the mental outlook has to shift. What's next if battle mode is no longer required? Every day living is obviously the answer. I guess I wonder if  that thought transition can cause some sad feelings. My guess is that it is on a highly personal basis.
Monica

Moni:

Yes, it is the end of the roller coaster ride.  We can think of nothing but our transition literally for years in many cases.  And CGS is often the last step so there is nothing else to look forward to.

Other trans folks have warned that this can occur.  You have to prepare for the rest of your life.  You have to think about what you will do with all the space you will have in your mind not having to think or act on your transition.  You can take up an involving hobby or work in volunteering or work more.

It does happen, and I dealt with it in my case by volunteering at a local LGBT center and helped others who were struggling with what I had struggled with.

You literally have the rest of your life given to you.  Enjoy it!

-Sandy

I suspect any surgery with extensive rehab afterwards can do this.   I had a fairly serious shoulder reconstruction, and the rehab was beyond cruel. (rehab tech felt my arm and thought, "ooooh athlete, no limits!!!")   It took a while to climb back out afterwards.

Quote from: becky.rw on November 20, 2016, 07:59:24 AM
I suspect any surgery with extensive rehab afterwards can do this.   I had a fairly serious shoulder reconstruction, and the rehab was beyond cruel. (rehab tech felt my arm and thought, "ooooh athlete, no limits!!!")   It took a while to climb back out afterwards.

Been there too.  You have my sympathies.  My shoulder is more metal than bone these days and rehab was more painful than anything I ever experienced.  Yeah, the constant pain did cause a fair amount of depression.

-Sandy

I have had to cross the road of GRS depression I had my GRS in August 2015.

I have since fixed this issue. I state now the information below is not medical advice and I strongly recommend you consult a doctor before following anything below.

I am not recommending you to do anything I am just showing what I did. I just hope it benefits someone else and makes their life that little bit easier.

I fixed this issue in several ways:

1. EMDR to overcome fears and trauma through my life and also problems – This solved 50 percent of the issue.

2. Continuing electrolysis 5 percent

3. Magnesium supplement – Yes low magnesium can come across with symptoms of depression and anxiety before those who say to me but I take this and it doesn't fix this issue well this is not just 1 cause. Magnesium supplements seriously helped me and took another 35 percent of the issue away.

4. Candida Overgrowth a issue that is not being acknowledged by most doctors (US ones)  and is a serious problem. This is easily fixed by apple cider vinegar or coconut oil or using more garlic or turmeric in food to keep it at bay.

This helped by 10 percent but also helped in other ways I was not expecting like improved mental clarity, easier focus, extremely reduced cuts when shaving face.

Before I started Candida Overgrowth solving 5 days ago I had seriously problems with cuts on my face when shaving. I just shaving my face 20 minutes ago and got zero cuts and no more dry skin or insomnia either and reduced anxiety.

Just remember you need to be your own advocate as you need to have your own best interests at heart and learn to try to solve your own problems.

I also like to state I take no anti depressants or SSRI's of any kind.