Signs of Depression After Surgery: Expert Tips for Healing and Resilience

There’s something uniquely humbling about knee injuries. They quite literally knock you off your feet, slow you down, and force you to face your own vulnerability. Whether it’s the result of a traumatic injury, a gradual wear-and-tear breakdown, or something that came out of nowhere—knee surgery isn’t just a physical event. It’s an emotional one too.

I know this road personally. I injured my knee at just 16 years old, during field hockey practice. I knew something was terribly wrong, but I pushed through the pain, encouraged by a coach who urged me to keep running. That night—my 16th birthday—I found myself in the emergency room. It wasn’t until many years later that I learned my orthopedic surgeon had actually recommended surgery, but my parents were advised to “wait and see.”

What followed were years of pain, instability, and lessons learned the hard way. That knee has been a source of challenge—but also of incredible growth. I learned how important it is to listen to your body, to honor its signals, and to advocate for yourself when something doesn’t feel right.

Later, as a mother, I experienced this journey from a different angle—watching my middle son walk through the repair and recovery of both his meniscus and ACL. I witnessed the mental and emotional toll firsthand: the frustration, the doubt, the courage it takes to keep going.

The truth is: healing isn’t linear.

Some days you’ll feel strong and almost yourself again. Other days, you’ll feel frustrated, tired, or even defeated. Mental challenges, including depression, are more common after surgery than many realize—often creeping in during times of exhaustion, uncertainty, or isolation. And that’s okay. You’re allowed to feel all of it. But I want to remind you of this—you are not weak because you're healing. You are strong because you're choosing to.

Surgery might repair the structure, but recovery is where resilience is built. It’s where patience is tested. Where courage rises quietly every time you get up, bend, stretch, or take that next step—even when it hurts.

To those who are recovering right now: please be gentle with yourself. Celebrate the small wins—because they matter. Rest when your body asks for it. Trust the process even when it feels slow. And most importantly, know that you are not alone.

This post was written by Missi Thompson, TNLP, TCHt, TTT, TSC, TEFT, T-IC

Transformational Empowerment Practitioner and Founder of Phoenix Shift, LLC Website: www.thestrengthofme.us Email: missi@thestrengthofme.us

"You will rise again—stronger, steadier, more grounded than before. And every step you take now is a step toward that strength."