Coping with lymphoedema

If you develop lymphoedema, you may feel a wide range of emotions. You may be upset that you have a chronic condition and need to manage it. It may affect your body image and impact personal relationships.

Many people find these feelings improve over time as they learn to manage lymphoedema. This can reduce how much it affects your quality of life.

If lymphoedema is causing you to feel upset, anxious or depressed, support is available.

The first step is to talk to a member of your treating team – your lymphoedema therapist, GP or breast care nurse – for support and advice. They can refer you to a psychologist or counsellor, if needed.

You may be eligible for a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan so you can access appointments subsidised by Medicare.
Talking to other people who have lymphoedema and understanding their experience may also help:

• join BCNA's Online Network to connect with others living with lymphoedema.
• find a face-to-face or online support group near you in BCNA’s Service Finder.

Ways to reduce the impact of lymphoedema

As well as any treatment you need for lymphoedema, you need to look after your emotional wellbeing too.

• Spend time with people who make you feel good.
• Talk to those close to you about how you feel.
• Take time to do things you enjoy.
• Exercise regularly and try to maintain a healthy weight – this can improve symptoms of lymphoedema and reduce anxiety and depression.