Every man responds in his own way to the news of prostate cancer and the turmoil it brings to his life. Change is hard at the best of times, let alone when it comes in the form of a chronic or life-threatening condition.

However, others have been there before you and there are lots of strategies for getting through this new phase of your life, such as finding support, learning to relax and improving your diet. There are also complementary therapies you might want to try.

Every life change can be an occasion for personal growth and renewal, for sorting out priorities and reflecting on what you value most, and prostate cancer is no exception.

Managing Your Emotions
Many men present themselves as strong and stoical individuals. They tend to play down personal difficulties and setbacks to minimize the anxiety of those who rely on them. However, when you are coping with serious illness such as prostate cancer, this show of strength may not be in your best interest. Understanding your own feelings and sharing your needs openly with others is not weakness-but the best way to tap into the strength of others around you.

Why Do I Feel This Way?
Most people like to be in control of their lives. Prostate cancer, or any chronic illness, can make you to feel that you are no longer in control. You may have feelings of denial, anger, helplessness, powerlessness and confusion now that your future is more uncertain. In addition, you must cope with the fact that your illness is also causing emotional pain to those around you.

Communicate
Good communication is an important first step in managing your emotions. Communication allows you to alleviate your feelings by sharing them, and ask for help when you need it-both physical and psychological. Good communication also allows those around you to support you in the most appropriate way.

Stay Positive
We know this is easier said than done, but try your hardest to keep a positive attitude. A positive outlook can have a major impact on your health. It will give you a feeling of control and decrease feelings of helplessness, reducing anxiety and stress.  If you're having negative feelings, you might find it helpful to name them, either out loud or to yourself-"I am feeling anxious about my surgery"-before turning them to more positive channels-"but I can't do anything about my surgery now, so I may as well just enjoy dinner with my family tonight."

Live for the Present
We generally do not live in the present. Most of us live in the future, living our lives ahead of ourselves-hours, even days or weeks, ahead. We concentrate on what we have to accomplish, so thoughts of the future are generally associated with feelings of anxiety: "What happens if I don't get to work on time?" "What if something goes wrong with the surgery?" "What if I can't pay my bills?" The list is endless.

Many of us also live in the past. Continual reminiscing is associated with mourning or sadness, because we concentrate on what we have lost-our youth, our opportunities, our loved ones.

Living in the past or future expends much of our precious time and emotional energy, and drains the pleasure from the present. It is important to take possession of today and enjoy what we have here and now.