Helpful Tips for Successful Recovery From Prostate Surgery
JUL 17, 2024Patients benefit from being prepared in advance of prostate surgery so that bowel, bladder, and erectile functions return to normal as quickly as possible.
Read MoreMay is Mental Health Awareness Month. When we talk about mental health, we’re talking about our mental well-being: our emotions, our thoughts and feelings, our ability to solve problems and overcome difficulties, our social connections, and our understanding of the world around us. Being diagnosed and treated for a life threatening disease such as cancer impacts physical and mental well-being. Cancer patients and survivors are more than twice as likely to have mental health challenges compared to adults without cancer.
Mental health conditions can be exacerbated by the psychological stress of a cancer diagnosis, physical symptoms (e.g., pain, shortness of breath, nausea), and fear of cancer progression or recurrence. Additionally, mental health symptoms can result from the direct effects of cancer and cancer treatment, hormonal changes secondary to treatment, and medications used to minimize symptoms experienced during treatment.
We all have days where we feel a bit down, stressed out, or overwhelmed by something in our lives, even if we are not facing a cancer diagnosis. Good mental health isn’t about feeling happy and confident 100% of the time and ignoring problems. It’s about living and coping well despite problems.
Just 30 minutes of walking daily can boost your mood and improve your health. Small amounts of exercise add up, so don’t be discouraged if you can’t do 30 minutes at one time.
A balanced diet and plenty of water can improve your energy and focus throughout the day.
Stick to a schedule, and make sure you’re getting enough sleep.
Explore relaxation or wellness programs or apps with meditation, muscle relaxation, or breathing exercises. Prioritize healthy activities you enjoy, such as listening to music, reading, spending time in nature, and engaging in low-stress hobbies.
Decide what must get done now and what can wait. Learn to say “no” when you need to.
Remind yourself daily of things you are grateful for. Be specific. Write them down or replay them in your mind.
Reach out to friends or family members who can provide emotional support and practical help.
If you have cancer or are in survivorship and are struggling with your mental well-being, speak with your provider, social worker, or mental health practitioner, today.
Patients benefit from being prepared in advance of prostate surgery so that bowel, bladder, and erectile functions return to normal as quickly as possible.
Read MoreBeing realistic about people who use substances and how they can be helped is the goal of the emerging concept of harm reduction. This is an evidence-based approach to equipping people with life-saving information and tools which can save lives.
Read MoreSymptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder vary widely and can affect all ages. PTSD is often misunderstood and stigmatized, preventing people from getting help.
Read MoreWhen you need local health information from a trusted source, turn to the CHI Health Better You eNewsletter.