For patients, the diagnosis often brings shock and a profound fear of mortality, especially as awareness of prostate cancer is limited compared to other cancers. The fear of death and existential distress lead to heightened anxiety, particularly among older men. 

Dr. Amitabh Ray, Senior Specialist and Associate Professor, Radiation Oncology, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, Kolkata shares an emotional impact of prostate cancer on patients and their families

Additionally, treatment side effects like erectile dysfunction and incontinence lead to a perceived loss of masculinity, exacerbated by cultural pressures, causing shame and depression. Many men avoid discussing these struggles, worsening isolation and mental distress.

Family members, especially spouses and children, also face significant emotional burdens. As primary caregivers, they deal with physical, emotional, and financial stress. This strain is especially intense for spouses who manage most caregiving duties, feeling anxiety and helplessness about their partner’s health. Financial burdens from costly treatments, compounded by India’s healthcare financing challenges, often lead to familial conflict and difficult choices about care quality. Limited understanding of the disease among family members adds further stress, as they struggle to provide the right emotional support.

Coping mechanisms are critical. Support groups and counseling services, though limited in India, provide a sense of community and mental health support. Religious and spiritual practices also serve as significant emotional outlets, with many turning to meditation or prayer for comfort.

In conclusion, the emotional impact of prostate cancer on Indian patients and their families is profound and complex, shaped by personal and cultural factors. Addressing these needs through increased mental health resources, support networks, and awareness campaigns is essential to reduce stigma, improve quality of life, and support families during this challenging journey.

As Diwali approaches, we eagerly clean our homes, adorn with diyas, and gear up for fun-filled get-togethers with the entire family and their friends. But what if we used this festive time to cleanse and balance our emotions as well? Celebrated on a major new moon, the festivities of Diwali make it just the perfect time to take care of our inner selves. So let us wish ourselves a more nourishing Diwali “safai”-a deep cleaning not just of our homes but also our hearts, leaving room for emotional rejuvenation and balance in there.

Here are some ways shared by Siddhii Shaah Healer, Angel Card Reader, Spiritual Energy Activation Coach and founder of Yana’s Healing Studio to bring emotional balance back during Diwali through grounding, mindful breathing, journaling, visualization, and gratitude practices.

1. Grounding Your Energy

Grounding maintains emotional equilibrium by ridding the body of unwanted energies and connecting with the nurturing power of Earth. Try grounding meditations sitting or lying comfortably on the ground, visualizing roots coming out from the base of your feet deep into the Earth. Imagine negativity flowing down through these roots to be healed and transformed while being given Earth’s calming power in return. Just as Earth transforms seeds into flowers, it can also transform our burdens into strength.

2. Mindful Breathing and Pranayama

Breathing can be a strong tool in emotional balance. It is the breath that brings one to a place of peacefulness in the mind. Practicing the 4-4-4 technique-that is, inhale for four, hold for four, and exhale for four-for 3-5 minutes each day may help stabilize energy and reduce stress. Since Diwali is the celebration of light and energy, mindful breathing may help us anchor this energy within a sanctuary of peace.

3. Creating a Self-Healing Journal

Healing and self-discovery occur through the use of a journal. On this Diwali, start a special journal with emotions that you need to process or affirmations about positive beliefs, such as “I am worthy of love” or “I am a being of light.” These can be gentle reminders that can bring in positivity. This practice becomes a daily calming ritual by adding soothing background music like soft flute sounds.

4. Visualization for Inner Calm

It is fast to quiet the mind and the emotions with visualization. Imagine being in a peaceful place: a silent forest filled with lush greens, an ocean with silent waves hitting the shores, or anywhere you would find peace inside you. Now, envision that you are fully there; you’re absorbing the ambiance and the silence and quietness of it all. You will create for yourself a mental oasis of the sounds of nature or soothing music, available anytime to withdraw to, regroup, and recharge.

5. Reframing Thoughts for a New Perspective

Our mental approach gives much effect to the way we are going to experience life. On Diwali, practice changing the way you think. When you get problems, instead of thinking “Why is this happening to me?” change that to “How can I do this in a positive manner?” or “What can I get out of this?” ” Reframing the thought opens our minds up to solutions and new horizons, allowing us to feel more in control over our lives. With an optimistic attitude, you are likely to find that balancing emotions is much easier; this will help create a far more positive mindset, which might last even after the festival has ended.

6. Practicing Gratitude

Gratitude is such a simple transformative practice which brings one lots of joy and contentment. Take each morning in silence to express gratitude, whether it’s your health, family, or that you’re blessed to wake up another day. All this positivity shines light to the heart, creating abundance. 

7. Emotional Soothing with Self-Care

Self-soothing techniques give a feeling of comfort, security, and balance of emotions. One useful technique is a gentle self-massage; if you have a busy schedule, simply place both palms over your heart, take slow, deep breaths, and let go of the tension. You may listen to soothing music while doing this, such as flute or meditation tunes.

Embracing Emotional Balance This Diwali

The festive season brings much excitement and joy but also gives one the chance to refresh their inner peace. By spending a little amount of time daily on practices such as grounding, mindful breathing, journaling, visualization, thought reframing, gratitude, and self-soothing, you will cultivate a well of emotional balance and resilience.