A prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment can present a range of unexpected challenges. At the St Vincent’s NELUNE Men’s Health Centre, we provide access to psychological services and supports for patients.
There are many factors that can exacerbate feelings of depression and anxiety when you’re having prostate cancer treatment. Prostate cancer can put strain on your relationships, increase financial concerns and raise issues about the future. All these challenges can affect your physical and emotional wellbeing.
Improving your mental wellbeing will require a variety of approaches which may include counselling, support group participation, lifestyle improvements, medications and supportive therapies.
To access psychological support, speak with your health care professional.
St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney and the University of New South Wales have produced a series of online mental health programs called THIS WAY UP.
THIS WAY UP is Australia’s largest online mental health treatment platform and is available for adult patients, partners and carers receiving assistance from the St Vincent’s Men’s Health Centre.
Through THIS WAY UP, you can access evidence-based cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) programs from any location at a time that suits you. You can sign up at any time – all you need is a device with an internet connection.
At THIS WAY UP, you’ll find programs to help improve your wellbeing in areas such as managing insomnia, coping with stress and , where you can learn practical skills to improve how you’re feeling. If you struggle with symptoms of depression or anxiety, you can try a range of specialty treatment programs that aim to improve your mood and reduce worries.
The programs are low cost or, when you complete them with support from your clinician, free of charge. Please speak with a St Vincent’s NELUNE Men’s Health Centre staff member to access the programs.
If you’re interested in online therapy but aren’t sure which program suits you, try our Take-a-Test Tool. This is a free and anonymous online assessment that uses your self-reported answers to recommend a program that should help with your current challenges.
Speak to your nurse navigator, who will assist in a direct referral to a St Vincent’s NELUNE Men’s Health Centre psychologist.
You can contact the team at THIS WAY UP with questions about the courses by phoning (02) 8382 1437 or emailing contact@thiswayupclinic.org
