PTSD After Surgery: Why Emotional Numbness Can Be a Troubling Sign of Trauma

PTSD after surgery shown through emotional numbness as a woman sits quietly in a hospital setting feeling disconnected and overwhelmed

Some people notice a strange silence after surgery. The body heals. The stitches come out. Friends say everything looks “back to normal.” And yet something feels… muted. Not sad exactly. Not anxious either. Just flat. Distant. Like the volume on life has been turned down without permission. Many people hesitate to talk about this part. […]