Depression After Prostate Surgery - 3 Tips to Feel Better

As men age, the chances of developing prostate cancer increases, especially for men over the age of 50. When these conditions occur, prostate surgery is one of the most often-recommended courses of action by doctors. Radiation therapy and proton therapy are other common treatments.

The possible long-term side effects of prostate surgery include potentially life-changing conditions such as incontinence and erectile dysfunction (ED). However, thanks to nerve-sparing surgery and other techniques developed over the past few decades, these effects and their severity is significantly reduced for most surgery patients. In fact, all types of complications from this type of surgery have continued to decline since the 1990s.

One common, non-physical side-effect of prostate surgery is that of depression. Depression can set in for recipients of any type of surgery. However, for those who have undergone prostate surgery, instances of depression can occur more frequently due to the nature of the side effects that some men can experience. Here are 3 tips that can make you feel better if you are experiencing depression after prostate surgery:

1. Many side effects are temporary: For example, one common side effect is the inability to completely hold one's urine (incontinence) during normal activities or when lifting heavy objects. However, many men can learn to tighten the muscles in the groin area at key moments in order to avoid urine dribbling.

2. You can often learn to overcome many of the sexual side-effects: Over-the-counter and prescription medicines widely available today can cure many of the effects of erectile dysfunction.

3. Depression is usually caused by anger or a lost sense of power: The cause of depression usually stems from repressed anger and/or a feeling of the loss of power. By finding ways to feel powerful and in control in your life in other ways, you can reduce or eliminate your feelings of depression. Of course, taking solace in the fact that you are now prostate cancer-free can be another reason to show yourself how you are in control of your life.

Most importantly, remember that recovery after any type of surgery can be time-consuming and challenging. Give it time and take the right steps and your depression will likely go away on its own.