Why Join a Prostate Cancer Support Group?
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Finding out you have cancer has a before and after, life before diagnosis and after changes drastically. The future becomes uncertain. With that comes fear, sadness, anger and many more emotions that are very difficult to process. However, you don’t have to face this battle alone.
In the US alone, it is estimated that 269,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2022. It is, unfortunately, a very common occurrence among men. Numbers alone cannot help you, however. What’s the use of knowing this if you don’t know who to talk to about this issue. Or even where to get some helpful advice.
It is very normal to feel alone, isolated and afraid in this situation. You don’t know what the future holds. Family and friends may also be very supportive, however, it’s more than likely that they haven’t gone through what you are facing. That is to say, as much as they may want to support you, they most likely won’t fully understand what you are going through.
Getting diagnosed with prostate cancer can be a terrifying experience. That is why we highly recommend joining a support group.
What function does a support group serve?
Essentially, a support group is a gathering of people that are facing a common issue. They come together to share what is troubling them. Sharing these experiences they are able to support, encourage and comfort each other. This can be an essential part of dealing with similar and difficult circumstances.
Besides the catharsis that talking about one’s issues in a safe environment can provide, cancer support groups can also impart practical, helpful and constructive information or advice.
Cancer support groups can come in a wide variety of forms, suiting all sorts of needs.
There are widespread online communities, with people that might be able to help answer some of your questions.
Some are offered by mental health professionals or other interested parties. Such as a person themselves once diagnosed with the same condition, or a family member of someone who went through the same thing. Medical experts in the specialized field might even facilitate these.
A lot of support groups may hold their sessions online, in person or even over the phone. There are a wide variety of prostate cancer support groups, and any one of those may be the one that makes you feel the most comfortable.
So why join a prostate cancer support group?
Below we have outlined a number of reasons a cancer support group could help you through this arduous journey:
- You will find camaraderie and support from people who truly understand, since they are going through a very similar situation to you. Having someone to talk to will help you feel less alienated and isolated.
- You could find some great advice and suggestions on how to deal with the side effects of treatment or the condition itself.
- It could help reduce levels of anxiety or depressive episodes. Mental health and emotional support are crucial to surviving prostate cancer.
- Learn coping skills to help you deal with stress and change.
- A safe environment to discuss and talk about difficult issues. Men very often find it challenging to express their feelings. This can be even tougher when it comes to topics concerning sex. A support group can help facilitate a more comfortable environment, conducive to exercising these very important conversations.
If you would like more information concerning prostate cancer support groups check out our resources section. Where you can also find inspiration from success and survival stories, or we can help you connect with a prostate cancer survivor.
In the support groups link you will find a variety of types of prostate cancer support groups. If you have any questions, or just want to talk, call us at our toll-free hotline: 1(833)HEAL-MEN. You are not alone in this journey. We are here to help guide and support you through it, every step of the way.
