The holiday season is often described as a time of joy, reflection, and togetherness. Yet for many individuals affected by prostate cancer—including patients, survivors, and caregivers—this time of year can also bring heightened stress, anxiety, and emotional challenges.
To address these concerns, the Prostate Health Education Network (PHEN) hosted a Managing Survivorship Webinar titled “Celebrating the Holidays Without Stress and Anxiety: Using Spiritual and Mental Health Strategies.” The session focused on equipping participants with practical tools to protect their mental well-being while navigating the demands of the holiday season.
The webinar featured a multidisciplinary panel of experts and faith leaders, including Dr. Heather Honoré Goltz, Professor of Social Work at the University of Houston; Dr. Keith Crawford, PHEN Director of Patient Education and Clinical Trials; Dr. James Smith, PHEN Ambassador and retired psychiatrist; and Rev. Blane J. Newberry, Associate Pastor at Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church and prostate cancer survivor.
Creating a Holiday Plan With Intention
The session opened with Dr. Crawford encouraging attendees to approach the holidays with intention by creating a personalized holiday plan. Participants were guided to divide a piece of paper into three sections: identifying what matters most during the holidays, setting clear boundaries, and recognizing personal red flags that may signal emotional distress.
This simple but effective exercise helped attendees reflect on their values, prioritize their energy, and proactively manage situations that could contribute to stress or anxiety.
Protecting Mental Health During the Holidays
Dr. Goltz shared insights on maintaining emotional well-being during a season that can intensify both joy and vulnerability. She emphasized the importance of recognizing long-standing sources of strength—such as faith, love, and friendships—while also acknowledging that the holidays can magnify feelings of loss or exhaustion.
“Drawing boundaries is really important,” Dr. Goltz explained. “It is one of the most important things you can do this time of year. Setting boundaries allows you to be fully present for your family and friends.”
The Role of Faith and Spirituality
Rev. Newberry offered a powerful perspective on the role of faith in coping with cancer and holiday-related stress. Drawing from his own survivorship journey, he spoke about how faith practices such as prayer and meditation can provide inner peace and emotional grounding.
“Faith gives you the opportunity to go to a place where God rests and gives you inner peace,” Rev. Newberry shared. “It gives you the ability to exercise disciplines like prayer and meditation that support healing and resilience.”
Recognizing Depression, Anxiety, and Building Resilience
Dr. Smith concluded the webinar by discussing common signs of depression and anxiety, particularly during high-stress periods like the holidays. He encouraged participants to avoid making major life decisions during times of emotional distress and instead focus on strategies that build resilience.
Staying active, setting realistic goals, maintaining social connections, and confiding in trusted individuals were highlighted as essential steps toward emotional balance and mental wellness.
Supporting Survivorship Beyond the Holidays
This webinar reinforced PHEN’s ongoing commitment to addressing the holistic needs of individuals impacted by prostate cancer. By combining mental health expertise, spiritual guidance, and practical coping strategies, PHEN continues to empower communities to navigate survivorship with strength, compassion, and hope.
To learn more about PHEN’s survivorship programs and educational resources, visit www.prostatehealthed.org.