How do you respond to stress?

When it comes to stress, have you ever noticed how one day you may feel you can take on the world, but the next day, you feel like your world is falling apart?

There are a lot of factors that may influence how we handle stress related to our loved one’s prostate cancer. Take this quiz to learn what some of them are, and how vulnerable you may be to stress.

1. What happens when you are upset or afraid?

a) I often use positive “self-talk” to comfort or calm myself down
b) I often let my emotions take control of me or feel “out of control”


If you answered b, you may be more vulnerable to stress.


2. What’s your level of confidence?

a) I have a lot of confidence in myself and my ability to handle difficult situations
b) I’m often afraid that I’m not going to be able to handle difficult situations


If you answered b, you may be more vulnerable to stress.


3. How do you view life?

a) I am optimistic and hopeful about the future
b) I am afraid of what the future holds for me


If you answered b, you may be more vulnerable to stress.


4. How do you react to change?

a) I embrace change and often welcome it
b) I hate change and often dread it


If you answered b, you may be more vulnerable to stress.


5. What is your faith like?

a) I have a strong faith in God or a Higher Power
b) I do not believe in God or a Higher Power


If you answered b, you may be more vulnerable to stress.


6. What is your support network like?

a) I have a lot of friends and family who support me
b) I don’t have much support from others


If you answered b, you may be more vulnerable to stress.

Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 3rd edition. Litin SC, ed. HarperResource. New York, NY: 2003; 1220-1226.