About

When a person goes through the ostomy surgery, he has to face a paramount change in his physical condition. A whole or partial system of the body gets changed. Aside from this new condition, a patient has to undergo a considerable phycological change.

For many ostomates, the surgery brings a lot of social pressure and hurdles in adopting a new life. Adding a bonus, the lack of guidance can just swipe your mind.

Lack of guidance, information, and improper dealing of the patients can lead them towards the mental-related and other medical issues like depression, anxiety, or social withdrawal.

For the new ostomates, the biggest challenge is to adopt new skills to carry on their previous activities. They have o learn about the ostomy pouching system. They should know about life after ostomy surgery. They should learn about the care of the stoma and performing their daily chores.

After the operation, if a patient collects too much ostomy accessories like too many adhesives, wipes, bags, wafer, or barriers, it indicates the symptoms of fear, anguish, worries, sadness, and helplessness in the patient, it gives birth to too many negative thoughts in the ostomate. This condition will low down the self-esteem and confidence of the person. Due to this, he will feel weakness and his over-all health will deteriorate. Due to the immense change and lack of guidance, the patient will not be able to perform his routine activities with full enthusiasm. He will feel laziness and try to cut him from his social network.

When a person undergoes the ostomy surgery, it is the responsibility of medical staff to make him comfortable. Doctors and nurses should give full guidance to his family regarding the importance of mental health. After the operation, a patient depends on the family members for a few days. He feels embarrassment and pressure. Moreover, the staff should teach him about the usage of ostomy supplies. To overcome the emotional and mental issues, a patient should go to the physiatrist and WOC nurses.

A patient should not ignore the anxiety, emotions, and pressure; such symptoms can lead you towards the rehabilitation center. Your bad mental condition could impact several fields of your life.

Depression and anxiety could hit the following areas of your life:

1. Social interactions.
2.  Psychological issues.
3.   Economic activities
4.  Professional growth.
5.  Spirituality.
6.  Independence.
7.   Sports.
8.  Traveling.
9. Get-togethers.
10.  Public appearance.
11. Family life.

Why is Self-acceptance Difficult for Ostomates?

Every person’s psychology is different. Therefore, the way a patient responds to the surgery depends on his mindset. However, here are a few factors that will explain some reasons for low self-esteem or difficulty in self-acceptance.

Reason for the Ostomy Surgery

Many patients have to go through the ostomy surgery because of any other chronic disease like cancer. Such patients undergo a traumatic experience.

The surgery creates pain, worry, and shame in a patient. Moreover, it brings a lot of physical change. Your whole system of excretion gets changed permanently or temporarily. Moreover, a patient’s belly and stoma are red, swollen, and larger after the operation. This causes distress and pressure on mental health.

Social Circle

When an ostomate has to cut his social circles, it brings stress and depression. Ostomates feel shame in the initial days of surgery. They avoid meeting their friends and public appearance. They do not feel confident in joining the office again. This creates low-esteem in patients.

The Economic Status of a Patient

Ostomates needs proper care and medical support after their surgery. Many patients cannot afford the entire process of stoma care. Insufficient patients face more anxiety and fear.

Age

Age is one of the essential factors in creating pressure and anxiety. The young people have goals and too much to do in life; therefore, they are more vulnerable.