Psychotherapy Can Ease Post-Surgical Depression

My next door neighbor and friend of more than 60 years shot himself to death, where?: In the heart.

He had a double by-pass and five valve replacements that the surgeon termed "more tedious than a heart transplant." He did very well for an 81-year-old and was recovering ahead of schedule, despite some minor set backs. His surgeon said his heart had "healed beautifully." He had been taken back to the emergency room for some breathing problems a couple of times, and even taken to Atlanta to have his pacemaker adjusted by a specialist. After being taken to the emergency room on Saturday morning, he came home and had a small lunch. He and his wife laid down for a nap and when she awoke, she found a note.

He had gone to his workshop and shot himself in the heart. His surgeons had not diagnosed his depression and he was not on any anti-depressants. It is clear, only in retrospect that this gentleman had a hard time dealing with the stress and challenge of recovery.

Please make sure that all families know that depression is easy to mask, especially for men. Make certain that your heart patient is getting psychological support, both medically and emotionally. Take them to support groups and make sure they have medication to control their depression whether it is apparent or masked.

Chip Jones of GA 10:48AM June 14, 2009