The emotional impact of Prostate Cancer 2022
Prostate cancer is the second most common type of cancer among men. Despite its prevalence, though, some men still find it a difficult topic to discuss with their healthcare providers and even with family and friends.
When diagnosed with prostate cancer, it’s normal to feel like you must be strong and protect your loved ones. Your friends and family may also have some of the same feelings. So sharing your thoughts and feelings can help you and your loved ones. It’s sometimes difficult to talk to people close to you and you may find it easier to talk to someone you don’t know. Talking about your feelings and working through your emotions can help to lower stress levels and improve your emotional, mental and physical health.
Living with prostate cancer can be hard to deal with emotionally as well as physically and affect how you feel.
Men with side effects such as fatigue and pain and those diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer may be at higher risk of depression. If you have been diagnosed with depression in the past, you may also be at higher risk. Some treatments for prostate cancer, such as hormone therapy and chemotherapy, can also increase your risk of depression. Hormone therapy can make you feel more emotional and down. It can also cause changes in your mood, such as getting tearful and then angry.
Depression – seeing the signs
Men with prostate cancer may get depressed before or after treatment.
Many people with depression also feel anxious or worried. These feelings can have an impact on your life and mean that you feel constantly tired, sleep badly and have no appetite.
Regular physical activity may also help you deal with feelings of anxiety and depression.
Thinking about the future
It’s natural to find it difficult and upsetting to think about the future – particularly if you have advanced prostate cancer. Many men with advanced cancer will have treatment that will control their cancer for many months or years but it could be a worrying time.
You might find that making plans helps you feel more prepared for what the future may hold and reassured about the future for your family.
What can help?
Give yourself time. Don’t put yourself under pressure to be positive if that’s not how you feel. There will be good days and bad days – make the most of the days you feel well and find ways to get through the bad days.
If you are feeling down or worried and are finding it hard to deal with things, speak to one of our professional counsellors or psychologists, in person or online. There are treatments and support available. If you need to speak to someone immediately, give us a ring on 0861 776 227 , or our office mobile on 072 7164 935 .
For more information on our counselling services, feel free to visit our website at https://www.procare.co.za
Some men want to find their own way to cope and don’t want help from anyone else. Other men try to cope on their own because they are uncomfortable talking about how they feel or are afraid of worrying loved ones. But there is support available if you need it.
Remember that you can also talk things through with our diverse team of professional counsellors or psychologists.
Read more:
Common thoughts and feelings (prostatecanceruk.org)
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