Are you Taking Your Fear Too Far?

How do you feel about seeking medical care? If you’re sometimes hesitant to make an appointment, you’re not alone; studies show that almost half of American adults report feeling anxious before a doctor appointment, and may delay getting medical care or recommended tests or procedures. Going to the doctor may not be your favorite way to spend your time, but are you willing to see a doctor when necessary? Or does your appointment-avoidance veer from average to dangerous? Here’s how to tell if you or your loved ones are evading medical care to the point of putting your wellbeing at risk:

Taking the DIY route

In an effort to avoid getting medical care, people often try over-the-counter medications to mask symptoms, or homeopathic solutions that unsuccessfully treat the issue, or simply take the white-knuckle approach to managing ongoing illness or pain.

Acting the homebody

If you don’t go out, you can’t get sick, right? Those who are fearful of doctors may avoid seeing people or going places for fear of catching illnesses.

Dwelling excessively on symptoms

Some people find themselves fixated on their own health and symptoms, experiencing anxiety about the possibility of needing to seek medical care.

Chronically canceling

If you’re repeatedly scheduling, canceling, and rescheduling appointments, you may be letting your anxiety get in the way of your health.

Avoiding needed medical care can allow symptoms to become worse, causing what was previously a minor medical issue to become significantly more serious. If you’re a chronic appointment avoider, there are some steps you can take to regain control of your health and help keep your anxiety in check.

Be up front with your medical provider about what makes you nervous. Naming your fears out loud can help them seem less severe, and your doctor will appreciate knowing how to best help you.
Visualize your life after your concern or symptoms are addressed. If you’ve been stressed, or in pain, imagining yourself after treatment, without the burden of this worry, can motivate you to reach out to your doctor.
Involve a trusted friend or family member. Not only can having someone else at the appointment with you provide reassurance, but it can help to hold you accountable for moving forward with appointments and treatment.
Remember that it’s okay to see a different provider if the one you first see isn’t a good fit. You may have a better rapport with the practice’s physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or with another doctor. What’s not okay is to write off seeing any doctor because of one negative experience. Keep trying until you find a good match – in the end, you’ll be thankful you persevered.
You can get help before your help. If you have real deep-seated fears about seeing a doctor, consider talking with a therapist. He or she can help get to the root of your anxiety and provide some tools to be successful in getting the medical help you need.

You deserve to feel confident about seeking the medical help you need. As your emergency room in El Mirage, we care about the wellbeing of this community, and don’t want to see anyone suffer unnecessarily. Delaying or avoiding medical treatment can lead to emergency situations that are significantly more severe. If you’ve been putting off seeing your doctor, we encourage you to take the first step in taking control of your health, and reach out to your medical health professional today.