Changing Expectations Following Brain Surgery

This woman has made a remarkable recovery from surgery brain surgery. She basically has had to relearn all that she had learned before the surgery. Still she has trouble with her balance, coordination of her eyes and walking. In spite of these difficulties she continues to exercise and work on regaining her life.

She has struggled with depression. In spite of her remarkable physical recoveries, she still experiences depression. Her depression is triggered by unrealistic expectations. Unconsciously, she still expects that she should be able to manage all of her life responsibilities as she did prior to her surgery. Not being able to cook, clean and entertain as she has before triggered her depression.

She has discovered that by consciously making her expectations compatible with her ability to achieve has significantly reduced her depression.

It important to remember that unrealistic expectations is a major cause of depression and anxiety. Especially for patients in recovery, it is important to reduce expectations and establish realistic expectations without guilt.