Managing your emotional health

  • A cancer diagnosis can impact your emotional wellbeing as well as your physical health.
  • Treatments and their side effects can also affect your emotional wellbeing.
  • People can experience many different emotions such as:
    • Shock
    • Fear
    • Guilt
    • Anger
    • Anxiety
    • Sadness
    • Frustration.
  • All of these emotions are completely normal. They may change over time.
  • Always speak to your hospital team or GP if you are struggling to cope with: 
    • Your diagnosis or 
    • Side effects of your treatment. 
    • Or if you are starting to feel anxious or depressed. 
Black man staring into the distance

What are the symptoms of depression?

 

Man staring into mirror

 

  • Feeling low or sad for most of the time
  • Feeling hopeless
  • Losing interest in things that you usually enjoy
  • Changes in appetite, sleeping patterns and concentration
  • Having suicidal thoughts or feelings of harming yourself.

To learn more about depression, visit the pages on depression from mental health charity, MIND.

 

 

 

What are the symptoms of anxiety?

 

 

Everyone will experience anxiety in a slightly different way. It can result in physical effects and effects on your mind.

Some physical effects may include:

  • Churning in your stomach
  • Headaches
  • Feeling light-headed or dizzy
  • Sleep problems
  • Feeling restless

Some effects of anxiety on your mind:

  • Feeling unable to relax
  • Sense of dread
  • Rumination. This is continual and repeated thinking about:
    • Symptoms
    • Feelings
    • Problems
    • Upsetting events, and
    • Negative aspects of yourself, typically with a focus on their causes, circumstances, meanings, and implications.
  • Constant worrying about things
  • Needing constant reassurance

 

To learn more about anxiety, visit the anxiety and panic attacks pages from mental health charity Mind. 

 

Frequently asked questions about emotional health after a prostate cancer treatment.

  • This video features patient Jamie quizzing consultant clinical psychologist, Gail about strategies for coping with the side effects of treatment. 
  • They talk about strategies for dealing with:
    • A cancer diagnosis
    • Changes to your physical appearance after surgery or hormone therapy
    • Changes in body confidence and self-esteem
    • Masculinity
    • Erectile dysfunction and leaking pee

 

  • Some hospital trusts may offer you access to psychological support services. 
  • They may even have specialist services for those who are living with cancer. 
  • You can check our local services finder to see if hospital trusts in your area, offer this service. 
What can I do to help myself?
Two men talking over a mug of coffee

 

  • Be honest about how you are feeling. It can be hard to do this.
  • Just getting your feelings out in the open can give you a sense of relief. 
  • You can talk to your partner, a trusted friend or colleague. 
Man attending a support group
  • This may be a general cancer support group or one specifically focused on prostate cancer. 
  • These groups offer:
    • A safe space to ask questions or share experiences
    • A chance to listen to other people who are going through or have gone through a similar journey to you.
    • An opportunity to pick up tips and tricks from others. 
Man eating bowl of salad

 

  • Eating healthily and regularly will help to keep your immune system healthy. 
  • It can also increase you energy levels and help improve your mood. 
  • The mental health charity, Mind have put together a useful fact sheet on food and how it affects your mental health. 
  • Visit the MIND website (this link will open in a new tab) to find out more.
Man doing stretches

 

  • Keeping active can help to:
    • Increase your energy levels
    • Improve your mood
    • Help you to manage stress.

 

  • Listen to your body. It’s important that you don’t push yourself too hard. You can try gentle exercise like:
    • Taking a short walk around the house, garden or your local park.
    • Walking up and down the stairs
    • Gentle yoga.
Man and woman walking arm in arm on a windy beach

 

  • Getting outside can boost your mood and mental wellbeing.
  • This can mean:
    • Going for a walk or cycle ride 
    • Doing some gentle gardening 
    • Just sitting in nature and enjoying the sights and sounds and the different textures and patterns. 
    • Scents can also improve mood and reduce stress and anxiety.
Man sitting at kitchen table painting in canvas

 

  • Spend some time doing things you enjoy. This may include:
    • Drawing or painting
    • Watching TV
    • Reading a book
    • Listening to a podcast or some music
    • Doing yoga or Pilates
  • This can give you something different to focus on.
  • Mind have some useful tips on self-care including a short animation. (The link will open in a new tab). 
Mature man meditating with headphones on

 

Mindfulness and meditation can help to:

  • Calm your mind
  • Reduce your stress
  • Focus you mind on calming thoughts. 
Black man working on laptop from home

 

  • Not everyone can continue to work when they have cancer. Plus some people will already be retired. 
  • Always talk to your healthcare team if you are worried about: 
    • Continuing to work or 
    • Returning to work
  • If you would like to continue working or return to work, you may be able to:
    • Work from home or 
    • Work flexible hours. Talk to your employer. 
  • If you are in employment, you have rights to support and benefits. 
  • The Equality act 2010 protects you against discrimination in the workplace. This includes those who are disabled. You are automatically defined as disabled under the Equality Act 2010 if you are diagnosed with cancer. This covers England, Scotland and Wales. 
  • In Northern Ireland, people with disabilities are protected by the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. This includes people who are diagnosed with cancer.
  • Macmillan Cancer Support have a page all about work and cancer. (link opens in a new tab). This includes information about your rights, sick pay and other benefits. 
  • Volunteering doesn't have to mean just face-to-face work. You can volunteer from home. For example, taking part in online focus groups, reading and checking health information for charities. 

What are the benefits of working or volunteering?

  • Working or volunteering can give people a sense of purpose and achievement. This can support their health and wellbeing. This is turn can support recovery.
  • Working or volunteering can focus your mind on something other than cancer.
  • It can also give you a sense of normality. 

  • Studies show that volunteering can help to combat stress, depressiona and anxiety. 

     

NHS talking therapies
Man talking the therapist

 

  • Talking therapies, or psychological therapies, are:
    • Effective and
    • Confidential treatments.
  • They delivered by fully trained and accredited NHS practitioners. 
  • They can help with common mental health problems like:
    • Stress
    • Anxiety
    • Depression.
  • You can access talking therapies free on the NHS.
  • In England, Scotland and Wales you can refer yourself directly to an NHS talking therapies service without a referral from a GP.  Or a GP can refer you. You must be aged 18 or over. 
  • In Northern Ireland, you need to visit your GP first. 
  • Help is often available:
    • In person
    • By video
    • Over the phone or

    • As an online course.

       

NHS talking therapies services offer:

  • Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). This is a talking therapy that can help you manage your problems by changing the way you think and behave (NHS). Visit MIND for more information on CBT.
  • Counselling.  This is a talking therapy that involves a trained therapist listening to you and helping you find ways to deal with emotional issues (NHS). Visit MIND for more information on counselling and talking therapy. 
  • Guided self-help: where a therapist coaches you as you work through a self-help course in your own time, either using a workbook or an online course. Watch this short video from Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Trust to learm more about guided self-help. 
  • Watch this video from the NHS which tells you more about the talking therapies service. 
  • Click the resources tab on this page to access more resources.

About this information

  • This information was published in July 2024. We will revise it in July 2026.
  • References and bibliography available on request.
  • If you want to reproduce this content, please see our Reproducing Our Content page (this link will open in a new external tab).

The toolkit is an information resource for people affected by prostate cancer. The development has been funded through an educational grant from Advanced Accelerator Applications (A Novartis Company).

 

Photo of a signpost

 

Talking therapies

 

England

 

Wales

  • People across Wales can now access free online therapy without needing to go through their GP.
  • People aged 16 and over experiencing mild to moderate anxiety, depression or stress can sign-up for a 12-week course of SilverCloud online therapy via their smartphone, tablet, laptop or desktop computer. 
  • They have a programme booklet which can tell you more about what is on offer. 
  • Visit the NHS 111 Wales website for more information on the different types of counselling and how to access each type. 
  • If you are in North Wales visit the North Wales Patient Cancer Forum for information on what they can offer. 

 

Scotland

  • If you are in Scotland, you can access free, telephone-based cognitive behavioural therapy (a type of talking therapy) through the ‘Living Life’ service. It is available to anyone over the age of 16 experiencing:
    • Low mood
    • Mild to moderate depression
    • Symptoms of anxiety
    • A combination of these symptoms. 
  • You can self-refer to this service. Visit the Living Life website for more information on the service they offer. 
  • Cancer Support Scotland offer a free counselling service to anyone affected by cancer. This includes:
    • Those diagnosed with cancer
    • Carers
    • Family and loved ones
    • Bereaved individuals
    • Visit Cancer Support Scotland for more information on their counselling service.

 

Northern Ireland

  • If you live in Northern Ireland, you will need to visit your GP to access talking therapies. 
  • They may refer you to the Primary Care Talking Therapies team. You are not able to self-refer.
  • Cancer Focus Northern Ireland offer free counselling to those with and their families.  
  • You can call their cancer Nurseline on 0800 783 3339 to find out more about this service. 
  • The line is open Monday – Friday from 9am to 1pm. 
  • You can also email them: nurseline@cancerfocusni.org. 
  • You can make a referral on their website.

 

Across the UK

  • Macmillan have partnered with BUPA to offer Free BUPA counselling. Visit the Macmillan website to find out more about how to access the service.

 

Support organisations

 

Look Good Feel Better

  • Look Good Feel Better is a national cancer charity. They run free workshops both online and at cancer care centres across the UK to support people with cancer. They have a page called Look Good Feel Better for Men (link opens in new external tab). This includes information on: 
    • Skincare and grooming
    • Pilates
    • Chair Tai Chi and Qigong workshops
    • Meditation and breathwork workshops
    • Chair yoga.
  • They also produce a ‘manual for men’, which includes information to help manage some of the side effects of cancer treatment. 

 

Penny Brohn UK

  • Penny Brohn UK (link opens in new external tab) is a UK based health and wellbeing charity that provides cancer care for:
    • Your mind
    • Body
    • Emotions
    • Heart
    • Soul
  • Their services are open to anyone aged 18 and over who has a cancer diagnosis, and to people in a close supporting role. 
  • Services can be accessed online and at their centre in Bristol. They also run online group sessions. 
  • They have a page all about diet and nutrition called 'Eating well with cancer' (link will open in a new tab). This has lots of information on the foods to prioritise to improve physical and mental wellbeing. It also has specific advice on eating well during cancer treatment, or eating when you lose your appetite
  • They also have a page called 'Move more with cancer' (link will open in a new tab). This section covers the benefits of physical activity. It also talks about the most appropriate exercises to do during chemotherapy, radiotherapy and after surgery. 
  • Other resources (link opens in a new tab) include information on how to rest and relax and how to cope with difficult emotions after a cancer diagnosis. 

 

Maggie’s

  • Maggie’s (link opens in new external tab) offer free support to anyone with cancer and their families. You can access face-to-face support at one of Maggie's centres (link opens in new external tab) or online.

 

Macmillan Cancer Support

  • Macmillan Cancer Support (link opens in new external tab) offer help with dealing with your emotions. 
  • You can call the Macmillan support line on: 0808 808 0000. This is open from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week. 
  • Free specialist counselling: Through Bupa, Macmillan are offering up to six free counselling sessions for people struggling emotionally because they are living with cancer. People can access specialist support remotely within days if they qualify to use the service. To find out more, visit Macmillan's free specialist counselling page (this link will open in a new window) or call their free support line on: 0808 808 0000 and ask about the Bupa service. 

 

Cancer Research UK

  • Cancer Research UK have a page dedicated to mental health and cancer. This includes sections on:
    • Mental health during and after cancer treatment
    • Mental health when caring for someone with cancer
    • How cancer can make you feel
    • Talking to children about cancer.
  • Visit the page on the Cancer Research UK website (link opens in new external tab).

 

Orchid – Fighting Male Cancer

  • Orchid is a charity for those affected by male cancer. 
  • They offer a free national male cancer helpline. This is a service for anyone who has been affected by prostate, penile or testicular cancer.
  • You can speak to one of their nurses to get information and support. The helpline is available Monday, Wednesday and Fridays from 9am to 5.30pm. 
  • You can email them at helpline@orchid-cancer.org.uk.
  • For more information about their work and how they can support, visit the Orchid website (link opens in new external tab). 

 

Prostate Cancer UK

  • Prostate Cancer UK have a downloadable emotional support handbook. It covers subjects such as:
    • Managing low mood and feelings of hopelessness
    • Managing anxiety
    • Managing life-changing events
    • Maintaining good mental health.
  • Download or read the booklet on the Prostate Cancer UK website (link opens in new external tab). 

 

Mind

  • Mind support people with mental health problems including anxiety, depression and stress. They have an infoline that provides an information and signposting service. This is open 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. You can ask about:
    • Mental health problems
    • Where to get help near you
    • Treatment options
    • Advocacy services.
  • The infoline number is: 0300 123 3393
  • There is also a chat service on the website. 
  • You can search for your local Mind service by using their online search tool (link opens in new external tab). 
  • For more information, visit the MIND website (link opens in new external tab). 

 

The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)

  • The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy is the professional association for members of the counselling professions in the UK.  
  • They have a page on their website that is dedicated to cancer. 
  • This talks about how counselling can help people cope better with their cancer journey. 
  • They provide a search tool that will help you find a counsellor in your local area.  Visit the dedicated cancer page on the BACP website (link opens in new external tab). 
  • Services of a counsellor will require payment. 

 

Support for Black and minority ethnic people 

 

Can-Survive UK 

  • Provides culturally sensitive support and information for people with cancer, their families and carers. They are based in Manchester. They offer a range of different services tailored to the needs of diverse communities, including: 
    • Support groups, e.g. MOT (Men Only Thursdays)
    • One-to-one services, e.g. counselling and life-coaching, advice and information
    • Group activities such as, meditation, art and talking therapy
    • Structures workshops such as, healthy diet and cooking, coping with anxiety and stress. 
    • Home visiting service.
  • You can find out more by visiting the Can-Survive UK website (link opens in new external tab).

 

The Black, African and Asian Therapy Network

  • The Black, African and Asian Therapy Network is the home of the largest community of counsellors and psychotherapists of Black, African, Asian and Caribbean heritage in the UK. You can search for a counsellor using their directory (link opens in new external tab). These services will require payment. 
  • They also provide information on:

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