Hi Anna. I had counseling at the same time I had both hips done. It wasn't for the hips and all that went with it, but for a divorce that I was going through.
Have to say that I thought it really helped me with both the breakup issues and the hip issues. I hit a stretch of depression and anxiety about that time, probably contributed to by both.
The counselor was very good, the advice he gave me for my recovery helped me immensely. I think just being able to puzzle out some issues with someone who is not emotionally invested in you, but just listens is great. I know if I went to my family with some of the problems, they would have gotten worried, I would have felt guilty... well, you know.
I was just as leery of counselors as anyone. I've always been friendly but about personal issues, a very private person. I found out that just as it took every one of us time to decide on surgery, it took me time to realize that going to a counselor is not a verdict of crazy. It's just another doctor who can help us get to the right spot. I still see him once a month or so. It's sometimes needed, often not, but helpful.
Overcoming the onus against counseling is not unlike the onus on having this type of surgery. People are used to their definition of being strong. My answer to that is that it seems the more I live, the more adversity I've faced, the less I care about people's definitions of what's strong. They are not in my shoes, I'll love and respect them, but they can keep their boundaries to themselves. I'll do what I need to do.
Seeing your bright spirit here, why wouldn't you want keep that by using counseling if it can help you shoo away a temporary cloud? Go for it (in my opinion).