I was just wondering what's probably the main cause of the (temporary) post-op depression so many of my trans siblings seem to get.

Reply to I was just wondering what's probably the main cause of the (temporary) post-op depression so many of my trans siblings seem to get. on Tue, 05 May 2026 22:51:49 GMT

technicolourpenguin@void.lgbt — Tue, 05 May 2026 22:51:49 GMT

@doppelgrau
One I've heard a lot is that your body is putting so much energy into healing, combined with the decreased activity (including mental health protective hobbies) and the hormone changes inherent in a lot of affirming surgeries. Kind of a perfect storm situation

Reply to I was just wondering what's probably the main cause of the (temporary) post-op depression so many of my trans siblings seem to get. on Tue, 05 May 2026 16:17:58 GMT

melezioh@mstdn.games — Tue, 05 May 2026 16:17:58 GMT

@doppelgrau things get all messed up in your body with surgery. The anesthesia and meds you take mess with you, your body is healing from trauma, you have reduced independence which is stressful. Post op depression is common with any surgery. For top surgery for trans guys hormones go
Whacky too. It’s just a very stressful time and your body is trying to heal and the meds are messing with you. I know boredom gets me too,, once I’m not in a lot of pain and just stuck sitting around. This also makes loss of independence worse. I’ve also dealt with many complications which definitely adds to depression post op.

Reply to I was just wondering what's probably the main cause of the (temporary) post-op depression so many of my trans siblings seem to get. on Tue, 05 May 2026 15:15:08 GMT

thatfrisiangirlish@blahaj.zone — Tue, 05 May 2026 15:15:08 GMT

@doppelgrau@anarres.family There's several possible reasons, and they all have merit, so it might be all of them, and more.

One, you're walking into hospital a fully functional person until you're put under, and... then you're basically an invalid for a bit. Because you decided it had to be that way. That weighs on you, and makes you question. You're in pain now, can't walk for shit, exhaust easily, and those anaesthetics do their bit, because they take a hell of a time to leave your system completely.

Then, the hospital itself. It's a depressing place on average. Nothing is on your clock. It's loud. The rhythm of your days has nothing to do with you. For neurodivergent people especially it's hell and constant stress. For me specifically, I have a phobia of needles that I got stuck with plenty, and the IVs (yes, plural) really didn't help.

You're alone a lot. The nurses might be nice (or not), but you can taste their stress. Doctors are passing comets, and some times you are shown like an exhibit. Don't count on anyone understanding your identity even if they have plenty of trans people coming through, and don't forget your crayons when someone, maybe, answers. Oh, and other patients? Depending on where you're put up, it's not a happy place with a whole lot of others of your age group. It's often with urology, and that means old grumpy guys in pain. Not fun to be around.

Also, there's a good chance that have to do the hormone dance. Going off "for reasons" (of old studies on meds that aren't used anymore on people that weren't trans), and then they'll want you to stay off. Takes its toll, and your body will have to find a new balance afterwards, anyway.

And possibly more. But taken together, it's a pretty save bet that this is the hardest, darkest bit of transition that you will do. It's worthwhile, though, when the hardships disappear in the rear view mirror, but the benefits stay.

Reply to I was just wondering what's probably the main cause of the (temporary) post-op depression so many of my trans siblings seem to get. on Tue, 05 May 2026 14:59:58 GMT

ninafelwitch@tech.lgbt — Tue, 05 May 2026 14:59:58 GMT

@doppelgrau
I always blamed it on the anti-depressants. I was on anti-depressants before the surgery, but had to stop taking them to minimize side effects with the anesthesia.
Then, of course, the pain, the aftercare. Additional stress.