How to overcome negative self-talk and stigma?

Cancer-related stigma is when people hold negative beliefs or attitudes towards themselves or individuals who have been affected by cancer. This stigma can create feelings of shame, fear, or isolation for those dealing with cancer, making it harder for them to cope and seek support.

Some ways to overcome negative self-talk include:

• Positive Re-framing – try replacing negative thoughts with things that you are currently doing to improve your health without judgment.
  
• Self-Empathy – think about how you talk to yourself- Is your voice positive? Supportive? You are your best friend; try practicing self-empathy by talking to yourself as you would speak to your best friend.  
• Clarifying Your Values – try writing down a list of the things that are most important in your life (these may include things like “being a good friend” or “your kids.” Remind yourself of your values when negative thoughts come to mind.