Self-Consciousness, Self-Esteem, and
Lymphedema
The Impact of Lymphedema
Multiple studies have documented
the powerful impact of lymphedema on quality of life. A Canadian survey
of women with lymphedema reported that “The women we spoke to feel their
life, as they knew it, was
changed forever.” The emotional impact
of lymphedema can be so powerful that I devoted an entire book
to
the topic: Overcoming the Emotional Challenges of
Lymphedema.
Self-Consciousness and Self-Esteem
One of the hardest
things about lymphedema is that it is often visible to others. This can make
you very self-
conscious. However, you can decrease
self-consciousness and protect your self-esteem by deliberately
working with your emotions, your thoughts, and your
actions.
Emotions:
Foster positive feelings toward your body. It is,
after all, doing the best it can. Regard your body with
gratitude
and respect for the many ways in which it still functions well. Have sympathy
for its struggles. Offer
it your loving care. Think of yourself as
in partnership with your body.
Thoughts:
Notice thoughts that reduce
feelings of self-consciousness. Some people find it helpful to tell themselves
“I
am more than my physical body. I am not my lymphedema.” Focus on
all the other facets of your self that
make you the unique person
you are. Think about your strengths, your talents, your beliefs and
values.
Actions:
Move forward with your life. Even though it can be hard,
don’t withdraw. Don’t avoid people, places,
things, or activities
just because you aren’t physically perfect.
Handling Others’
Reactions
Strangers may see the swelling or the compression garment or
wrapping. This raises the question of how you
should respond to
stares or questions.
Decide in advance what you want to say. Then rehearse
until it flows smoothly and comfortably.
Here are some examples:
•
“Thank you for your concern. It’s nothing to worry about.”
• “I have
a swelling condition and this helps control it.”
• “I have lymphedema
which is a swelling condition that often happens after cancer treatment. This
garment helps keep the swelling down. Would you like to know
more?”
Be Your (Best) Self
Other people will respond to your manner,
and your manner reflects how you perceive yourself. So focus on
those aspects of yourself that create feelings of pride, confidence,
and comfort. Stand erect, but relaxed,
with your head up. Make eye
contact with others. Smile and nod often. Use a confident, friendly voice
tone.
Let your best self shine forth. You can be a source of knowledge
and inspiration to others.
Reason for Hope
Acceptance, courage,
optimism, and thankfulness are possible and attainable. Here are quotes taking
from
Voices of Lymphedema. Listen to these individuals who, just
like you, live with lymphedema every day:
? “I can rise to meet the
challenge.”
? “I count my blessings every day.”
? “I find so
many ways around this…that it doesn’t seem that big a deal anymore.”
?
“I am better, stronger and more resilient than I ever was before.”
In
Conclusion
As Helen Keller once wrote, “Although the world is full of
suffering, it is full also of the overcoming of it.”
Take good care
of yourself.
For More Information:
These books are available through
www.Amazon.com,
www.BarnesandNoble.com,
or can be ordered by
your local bookstore.
Living Well With
Lymphedema – Ehrlich, Vinje-Harrewijn, & McMahon. San Francisco: Lymph
Notes,
2005.
Overcoming the Emotional Challenges of Lymphedema –
McMahon. San Francisco: Lymph Notes, 2006.
Voices of Lymphedema – (Eds.)
Ehrlich & McMahon. San Francisco: Lymph Notes, 2007.
Lymphedema
Caregiver’s Guide: Arranging and Home Care – Kearse, McMahon, & Ehrlich. San
Francisco: Lymph Notes, 2009.
May, 2011 Elizabeth
McMahon, PhD
Author Bio:
Dr McMahon (www.elizabeth-mcmahon.com)
works as a clinical psychologist in California and has over 30
years experience helping patients, many with chronic medical
conditions. She became interested in
lymphedema after a family
member developed the condition. She serves on the editorial advisory board of
www.LymphNotes.com, an online information resource and support
group for persons with lymphedema,
their family and friends, and
for lymphedema therapists.
In addition to lymphedema-related topics, she
writes and speaks on decreasing anxiety, preventing burnout,
overcoming life challenges, and increasing personal happiness.
Lymphedema
The Impact of Lymphedema
Multiple studies have documented
the powerful impact of lymphedema on quality of life. A Canadian survey
of women with lymphedema reported that “The women we spoke to feel their
life, as they knew it, was
changed forever.” The emotional impact
of lymphedema can be so powerful that I devoted an entire book
to
the topic: Overcoming the Emotional Challenges of
Lymphedema.
Self-Consciousness and Self-Esteem
One of the hardest
things about lymphedema is that it is often visible to others. This can make
you very self-
conscious. However, you can decrease
self-consciousness and protect your self-esteem by deliberately
working with your emotions, your thoughts, and your
actions.
Emotions:
Foster positive feelings toward your body. It is,
after all, doing the best it can. Regard your body with
gratitude
and respect for the many ways in which it still functions well. Have sympathy
for its struggles. Offer
it your loving care. Think of yourself as
in partnership with your body.
Thoughts:
Notice thoughts that reduce
feelings of self-consciousness. Some people find it helpful to tell themselves
“I
am more than my physical body. I am not my lymphedema.” Focus on
all the other facets of your self that
make you the unique person
you are. Think about your strengths, your talents, your beliefs and
values.
Actions:
Move forward with your life. Even though it can be hard,
don’t withdraw. Don’t avoid people, places,
things, or activities
just because you aren’t physically perfect.
Handling Others’
Reactions
Strangers may see the swelling or the compression garment or
wrapping. This raises the question of how you
should respond to
stares or questions.
Decide in advance what you want to say. Then rehearse
until it flows smoothly and comfortably.
Here are some examples:
•
“Thank you for your concern. It’s nothing to worry about.”
• “I have
a swelling condition and this helps control it.”
• “I have lymphedema
which is a swelling condition that often happens after cancer treatment. This
garment helps keep the swelling down. Would you like to know
more?”
Be Your (Best) Self
Other people will respond to your manner,
and your manner reflects how you perceive yourself. So focus on
those aspects of yourself that create feelings of pride, confidence,
and comfort. Stand erect, but relaxed,
with your head up. Make eye
contact with others. Smile and nod often. Use a confident, friendly voice
tone.
Let your best self shine forth. You can be a source of knowledge
and inspiration to others.
Reason for Hope
Acceptance, courage,
optimism, and thankfulness are possible and attainable. Here are quotes taking
from
Voices of Lymphedema. Listen to these individuals who, just
like you, live with lymphedema every day:
? “I can rise to meet the
challenge.”
? “I count my blessings every day.”
? “I find so
many ways around this…that it doesn’t seem that big a deal anymore.”
?
“I am better, stronger and more resilient than I ever was before.”
In
Conclusion
As Helen Keller once wrote, “Although the world is full of
suffering, it is full also of the overcoming of it.”
Take good care
of yourself.
For More Information:
These books are available through
www.Amazon.com,
www.BarnesandNoble.com,
or can be ordered by
your local bookstore.
Living Well With
Lymphedema – Ehrlich, Vinje-Harrewijn, & McMahon. San Francisco: Lymph
Notes,
2005.
Overcoming the Emotional Challenges of Lymphedema –
McMahon. San Francisco: Lymph Notes, 2006.
Voices of Lymphedema – (Eds.)
Ehrlich & McMahon. San Francisco: Lymph Notes, 2007.
Lymphedema
Caregiver’s Guide: Arranging and Home Care – Kearse, McMahon, & Ehrlich. San
Francisco: Lymph Notes, 2009.
May, 2011 Elizabeth
McMahon, PhD
Author Bio:
Dr McMahon (www.elizabeth-mcmahon.com)
works as a clinical psychologist in California and has over 30
years experience helping patients, many with chronic medical
conditions. She became interested in
lymphedema after a family
member developed the condition. She serves on the editorial advisory board of
www.LymphNotes.com, an online information resource and support
group for persons with lymphedema,
their family and friends, and
for lymphedema therapists.
In addition to lymphedema-related topics, she
writes and speaks on decreasing anxiety, preventing burnout,
overcoming life challenges, and increasing personal happiness.
