Coping with mental health

My partner recently had an MRI scan which revealed either prostatitis an infection although Malignancy couldn't be ruled out. He does have a slightly enlarged prostate. Since the result he has lost almost a stone in weight, which i personally believe is down to stress and anxiety. What makes it worse his father died of advanced bladder cancer which metastsasised to his live and bones. The saw his consultant who explained that the grading is measured between 1-5, my partner was a 3 which means unlikely to be cancer, and has been told he can either monitor with blood tests or have a biopsy, which he is terrified of. How do I support him when all he thinks about is that he is dying or thinking he has cancer 24/7. It's totally exorsting to live with!!

  • Hello and thank you for your post,

    People cope with difficult situations differently. And for some they can go down the road thinking they definitely have cancer and for others they are able to have a more balanced view.  I think we talked about this today?

    If you can get your partner to understand a bit more about how he is dealing with this then he might worry less. For example if he is searching online he might want also want look at how to deal with this. The NHS has some useful information about health anxiety that you both want to see here 

    Of course until he has had his investigations will he know if anything is the matter. But waiting can be difficult so trying to keep someone's mind of this by taking them away for a walk or a drive might help.  Watching something on TV that makes you think of other things can help too.

    I think if you really have serious concerns about his mental health then you could speak with his GP about this or call the NHS on 111

    Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Take care,

    Caroline