The toll on the caregiver’s emotional and physical health may be the most challenging part of the caregiver’s cancer journey. Trying to care for a partner with cancer means that caregivers oftentimes neglect their own well-being. This section addresses some of the common issues and concerns regarding caregivers and what they can do to overcome these obstacles.
Stress management
It is important to remember that feeling stressed, overwhelmed or anxious does not mean you are failing as a caregiver. Being aware of your own physical and emotional well-being can help you monitor your stress levels. When everything is getting to be too much, you will know it’s time to step back and take a moment for yourself. Knowing your limits and respecting them allows you to provide for your loved one without burning yourself out. Sharing responsibilities with another family member or close friend, making time for yourself, and finding emotional support are all effective ways of managing stress. As a caregiver, you want the best for your partner, but your own health must remain a priority to be able to administer the best care possible for your loved one.1
Anxiety
Caregiving is an emotionally draining role because they are often taxed with worrying about themselves and their partners. The anxiety that follows prostate cancer can often lead to pondering uncertainties, what happens if the treatment isn’t a success? What if the cancer has already spread? What if the cancer returns?2 While overwhelming feelings of anxiousness are common with this type of illness, managing these emotions can help you and your partner handle the ups and downs that come with having prostate cancer.