Page updated 12/6/11
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
Lymphland International Lymphedema Online
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.
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.