Do you feel nervous before visiting a doctor? Here’s how to calm yourself

As much as we want this New Year to bring an abundance of peace, joy, and prosperity into your lives, it is also a hard pill to swallow that health issues are rampant in the 21st century. As much as we try to put our best foot forward in keeping our lives healthy, at times we do tend to suffer from physical or mental health illnesses. Visits to the doctor can become common in your daily life. We know the thought of any doctor visits can feel very dreadful as there is always the fear of the worst possible outcomes. Our mind starts running a marathon every minute when we fix an appointment. Fret not, it isn’t uncommon, but you can certainly learn to calm yourself down when it comes to dealing with the fear of visiting a doctor.

Health Shots got in touch with clinical psychologist Dr Kamna Chhibber to understand ways in which you can keep your mind calm and anxiety-free before a doctor’s visit.

Here are some ways to overcome fear of visiting a doctor

The expert shared some ways in which a person can learn ways to not dread their next appointment with the doctor.

1. Adopt a rational perspective

“Try to adopt a rational perspective by keeping in mind the purpose of the visit,” suggests Dr Chhibber. We are usually aware that we are having some trouble in our body or mind. Hence, we should try to become rational in our thinking patterns as visiting a doctor will only help us deal with the underlying issue and will help us get better.

Also read: Keep these dos and don’ts in mind while visiting a dermatologist

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2. Remember that it is the uncertainty that causes anxiety

It is important to recognize that it is the uncertainty of not knowing what is happening which is causing anxiety. “Gaining knowledge and information, while unsettling in itself will still lead to a reduction in anxiety,” says Dr Chhibber.
Once our problem gets diagnosed, the next course of action will be the appropriate treatment that will lead us on the road to recovery.

3. Stop self-research

Try not to keep searching for answers online. Don’t read other people’s comments on what things turned out to be for them if you go online to gain solutions for the symptoms you are experiencing. Doing so will only worsen your worries, and you will tend to feel miserable by concluding the worst-case scenario.

Also read: 5 things I wish I had known before my first gyno appointment

4. Speak to a friend or a family member

Try reaching out to a friend or family member and discuss with them what you are fearing. They might be able to console and pacify you and help you feel better. You can also ask them to accompany you to the doctor for extra support during hard times.

5. Take charge of your problem

Only you can take charge of your life and issues to make amends and improve the quality of your life. “Remind yourself that taking charge of the problem is important and this is the first step in doing so,” asserts the expert.