This blog is continued from the blog series on Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Having a medical condition such as prostate cancer can put a tremendous emotional strain on someone. Several studies showed elevated risk of depression in prostate cancer patients due to loss of functional capacity and somatic symptoms. These are some of the depressive symptoms a cancer patient may have:
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Sleep disturbances-This can mean too much sleep (hypersomnia) or too little sleep (insomnia).
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Lack of energy or feeling tired
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Difficulty concentrating
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Suicidal thoughts
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Feeling guilty, helpless, or worthlessness
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Loss of enjoyment
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Persistent sadness
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Feeling slow or sluggish
Here are tips to help a cancer patient emotionally:
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Maintaining healthy weight
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Eating more fruits and vegetables
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Increasing physical activity
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Seeing a therapist
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Seeking group support
US Too is a website for information on prostate cancer and support groups.
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Incorporating relaxation training
Mindfulness meditation is a stress reduction technique which focuses on awarenss of breath leading to a state of relaxation.
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Seeking a therapist for antidepressants
Books related to this topic:
A Primer on Prostate Cancer: The Empowered Patient’s Guide
Dr. Patrick Walsh’s Guide to Surviving Prostate Cancer
How We Survived Prostate Cancer: What We Did and What We Should Have Done
What Helped Me Get Through: Cancer Survivors Share Wisdom and Hope
