AboutPatricia A. Schafer, Ph.D. Expertise I specialize in various forms of depression and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and also stress, phobias, life changes, grief, women's issues, men's issues, etc. My licenses are: Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor -Supervisor(LPCC-S) and Licensed Professional Chemical Dependency Counselor (LICDC) in the state of Ohio and a National Certified Counselor (NCC).
Experience 12 years experience counseling substance abusers, families of alcoholics/drug addictions, and those with codependency issues. I also specialize in social phobia; stress; anxieties; women`s issues; grief and adjustments to life changes. Some therapeutic techniques used are: CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), DBT (Dialectical Behaviorial Therapy)REBT (Rational Emotive), SFT (Solution Focused) and 12-Step, etc. If you live in the Cleveland area, you can contact me at my office for an appointment at: 440-349-4521. I am on various insurance panels and EAP programs.
Organizations ACA, OCA, NCC, OMHCA
Education/Credentials Ph.D. In counseling
MA In Counseling
BS In Psychology
Question Do one get "post surgical depression" after every surgery. In 2001 I experience a trauma, losing my left leg and really torn up my right, by helping an accident victim. Since then I've had 2 knee replacements and waiting on a third due to catching an infection in the same knee. And on top of all that, i had a hip replacement last fall.I,m here now with a concrete block as a knee waiting on doc for replacement.(2weeks).
2 days after my fiance moved in with me, I got ill with staph. in my knee.I also have my fiance's pretend brother living with me.I have a problem thinking that he is trying to take my place as "man of the house",granted he has helped out dramaticly.But to me, it seems that he is doing it intentionally.It's like i have 2 children.My daughter walks right past me to "PLAY" with him.All the kid games any 9year old would play.Barbies,makeup,crafts,etc.Oh everybody thinks i'm went crazy after this last surgery. Shouldn't i be use to "post surgical depression" by now?Or am i being to analytical or paramoid.
Thanx Cruz
Answer Dear Cruz:
One can get too analytical after surgery - especially when one has surgery that leaves them in a long time healing process. Therefore, you can't get around so you have more time to think. It is hard being off your feet as you wait for things to heal. And as you wait, you are watching everyone else up and around doing things. Your children know you are not capable of playing many things, so they go to the one who can get up and move around and play. So, make an effort to arrange games around your bed such as card games, Barbies, crafts, etc. You can say to the kids that you want to play with them and ask them to bring over the toys or whatever. Tell them you miss playing with them and that you want to have fun with them. Also, ask them for ideas about how to make and do fun things with mommy.
It is hard to watch others enjoy your kids (like your fiance's pretend brother); but he is helping you, so think about how things would be if he was not there helping out with the kids.
The healing process TIME is hard. So focus on the moment. If you see your kids are having fun, enjoy that you see your kids happy. Also, you saved someone's life - wow! That is wonderful. It is too bad how you have suffered, but the fact that you saved someone - all I can say is wow! To have the courage, at your own life's risk to save someone or to help them out and risking your own life is beyond words!!!
It also sounds like you have a great fiance helping you out too! So, when you are bored or starting to feel analytical or depressed, start to make a list of the good things in your life and enjoy moment by moment you children. They do grow too fast and then they are adults too soon. Mine are now 24 and 26 and when they were little I had a blast with them. We used to color a lot; read stories, draw pictures, watch over and over again their favorite cartoons, etc. Enjoy each moment you have with them.
