Depression after surgery

Hi guys,

I had the first week of my cardio placement this week and it has been very interesting.
I’m treating patients who have undergone cardiothoracic surgery such as CABGs and MVR. I’m teaching them DBXs + supported cough, helping with ambulation and exercises for ULs and LLs. Cause it is a major surgery on the heart, most patients have some sort of depression and aggression (according to research, 30% of patients who have cardiac surgery has depression).

I met this patient who came up to the ward after being ICU for one day. She is 67yo lady with a history of metastatic adenocardinoma in her (R) lung diagnosed in 2007 and recurrent pleural effusion in both lower lobes. She admitted to hospital to get pleuridesis for recurrent pleural effusion as pleural fluid drainage in January has failed.
The operation was for one hour and her obs were stable throughout eg 99% on 6L O2. Also, she does not have major complications after the operation.

When I saw her for the first time, she looked very tired. I ambulated her 100ms on 3L O2 and taught her DBXs and arm exercises. She was compliant to the treatment session with me though whenever I pass by her room, she was slouched and lying in bed most of the day. So I encouraged her to sit in chair and keep doing exercises and also gave her positive feedback on her condition every day.
She progressed pretty well and ambulated 500ms on RA last Friday when she was discharged. She was happy with her progression, however I was worried about her as lung cancer is still the issue for her and she needs more positivity on how she is coping well.

Just wonder if you guys have any strategies to deal with depressed patients.
Thanks