It’s a very common experience to worry about going to the doctor, but if it has been many years since your last check-up or exam, you need to realize that having iatrophobia (the medical name for fear of doctors) can stem from general anxiety. We get anxious because we fear the unknown and imagine the worst-case scenario when we go for an annual check-up. But how can we break this cycle?
Avoid Dr. Google
If you Google your medical symptoms, this is a one-way ticket to anxiety central. When we start to look up symptoms, this will inevitably fuel the fire. It is important to remember that there are many uses for Dr. Google, but if you have anxiety, it’s only going to make things worse. There will be a time when all we do is go online, but it will be part of a more comprehensive healthcare system. We can see that many patients have telemedicine services provided by companies such as MedComp Sciences, but we must remember that being in contact with the doctor is crucial. While we may fear going to the doctor, there are more ways to get in contact with them than ever. They can schedule a callback, so you don’t have to necessarily venture into the office at the outset.
Acknowledging the Anxiety
If you think about your doctor’s visit, you have to tell yourself it is normal to be anxious, but focus on getting over the triggers that cause anxiety. You could distract yourself by doing other things. Finding something that keeps you mentally engaged is a great way to reduce your focus on that anxiety-inducing thought.
Learning to Calm Yourself in the Waiting Room
Because the waiting room is the sensation of being in limbo for many, it is vital to learn to keep yourself calm in this space. You can always bring a friend with you, but you can also use this excuse to look at your phone. It is essential to remember that the doctor is not against you. One of the biggest anxieties we have about going to the doctor is that they are only going to deliver bad news. But you’ve got to remember that the doctor is an ally that is there to identify problems before they get worse. It’s so important that you communicate honestly with your doctor because they’re not there to judge. If you are straightforward with your symptoms and your anxieties, they will take your cue and be more reassuring throughout the process.
You have to remember that a medical appointment is all about your health. And even if you’re someone that thinks you don’t need to visit the doctor because you have a healthy diet, a regular appointment is the best way to keep on top of all these little issues. The doctor is there to help us be the best version of ourselves. And if we have spent years avoiding the doctor, now is the time to tackle these anxieties head-on.
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