Self-esteem is the value that we have of ourselves. It also includes how we perceive our value in the world and to others. Being diagnosed with a serious, chronic illness such as mesothelioma may lead to a decrease in self-esteem. Sadly, many people with chronic illnesses or disabilities feel “less than” others who may be healthy or able-bodied. Our value in life is not tied to how much money we make, how many things we build, how clean our home is or how good our lawn looks. Our value is what we mean to others. Cancer does not change what we mean to others.

1. Self-Esteem and
Mesothelioma
Today’s Moderator:
Dana Nolan, MS LMHC
Licensed Mental Health Counselor

2. What Is Self-Esteem?
Many people believe that self-esteem is the
same as self-confidence or self-image.
While self-esteem does incorporate
elements of each of those concepts, it is the
value that we have of ourselves. It also
includes how we perceive our value in the
world and to others.
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3. Why Is Self-Esteem Important to
How We Feel?
Our self-esteem affects how we see
ourselves in the world and our personal and
professional relationships.
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4. Healthy Self-Esteem
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When we have healthy self-esteem, we
are:

5. Poor Self-Esteem
People with low self-esteem feel unworthy,
which results in lack of self-care.
They may also feel:
Pessimistic
Unlovable
Fearful
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6. Self-Esteem and Mesothelioma
Being diagnosed with a serious, chronic
illness such as mesothelioma may lead to a
decrease in self-esteem.
Feeling sick or being unable to work or
participate in activities can make some
people feel useless.
In the United States, many people define
their value by productivity and
independence.
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7. Value and Illness
Sadly, many people with chronic illnesses or
disabilities feel “less than” others who may
be healthy or able-bodied.
If we feel less worthy or valuable than others
because of our mesothelioma, our self-talk
may turn negative:
“My husband will leave me because I am sick.”
“If I can’t do all the chores around the house
anymore, then I am useless.”
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8. Re-evaluating Our Self-Esteem
If you notice that your self-esteem is wavering
because of your illness, it is possible to bring it
back up to a healthy point.
When our self-esteem is low, we tend to focus
on what is wrong with us rather than what is
right with us.
The challenge is to argue with that negative
voice in our head that is focusing on our faults
or mistakes.
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9. Raising Our Self-Esteem
Affirmations:
“Even though I have cancer, I am still a
good spouse (parent, friend, etc.)”
“I am lovable.”
“I am proud of my strength during my
treatment.”
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10. Raising Our Self-Esteem (cont.)
Make a list of your positive qualities:
Kind, creative, funny, persistent, hard-working,
etc.
Recount the things that you have
accomplished in your life that you are proud
of (personally, academically, professionally).
What would your friends and family say they
love about you?
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11. Re-evaluating Our Value
Our value in life is not tied to how much
money we make, how many things we build,
how clean our home is or how good our lawn
looks.
Our value is what we mean to others.
Cancer does not change what we mean to
others.
(877) 626-5916

12. What Cancer Cannot Do
Cancer is so limited...
It cannot cripple love.
It cannot shatter hope.
It cannot corrode faith.
It cannot eat away peace.
It cannot destroy confidence.
It cannot kill friendship.
It cannot shut out memories.
It cannot silence courage.
It cannot reduce eternal life.
It cannot quench the Spirit.
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Author: Dr. Robert L. Lynn

13. Contact Information
1-877-626-5916
(877) 626-5916
Facebook.com/themesocenter
@TheMesoCenter