Fear of going to the doctors? 3 ways to overcome it

By: Tara Mack
Fear of going to the doctors? 3 ways to overcome it
People are sometimes scared of going to the doctor's office, and fear them for many different reasons, while others can feel informed and powerful. One being the worry of hearing bad news, or finding out that something is wrong with them. Sometimes people become nervous of the thought of having certain tests conducted, like having to take an MRI, where those three letters alone are. However, these exams could help to save your life one day.
From experience, when I’ve gone to the doctor, I’ve felt like I was in control of my body and my well-being, because I know the health that it is in. As a child, I used to be afraid of going to the doctor because of receiving shots, but in my adult life, I feel a positive experience about going. From those who are scared for whatever reasons or sometimes find it an inconvenience, we wonder what is fun about going to the doctor?
From the cramped waiting rooms and outdated, uncomfortable furniture to the expensive out-of-pocket bill that you’ll get the following week; the entire experience is full of possibly negative experiences. Money can often be a common fear that keeps people from going to see their doctor. For those who are uninsured, it could be the single reason that keeps them from scheduling their appointment. An average cost for an adult physical is around $250, a doctor office visit for an adult can range between $150-180.
It’s easy to see why so many people find the thought of having to go to the doctor or a clinic, unsettling. However, there are still positive reasons to go. Going to the doctor could possibly save your life, or give you steps to take to prolong it. It’s important to get an annual checkup, since over 30 percent of American adults have high cholesterol which can double the chance of getting heart disease. 1 in every 3 American adults has high blood pressure, causing heart attacks, strokes and kidney disease and failure. With those numbers, going to the doctor could not only test for these, but a visit can also give you the knowledge on how to help prevent them from happening.
            One fear of going to the doctors could be prevented when scheduling your appointment. When requesting an appointment, request a shorter wait time at the doctor’s office. Being there for a shorter time can help control the fear of what could happen while there. You may make your appointment time earlier in the morning, being the first open appointment of the day, so you’ll have a shorter wait time.
            The second way to help with the fear of going to the doctor, could be helped by asking a friend or loved one to accompany you to your appointment. This can help calm your nerves and make you less fearful of the doctor. The friend or loved one can sit in the waiting room or even come with you into your appointment, if the doctor is comfortable with this decision as well.
The third way to calm your nerves and fear could be going to the same doctor each visit. Consistency can be a big part of helping to feel comfortable and less scared. When booking appointments, try to visit the same doctor for all your needs so you can become comfortable with them and get to know one person as opposed to having to meet a new one each time. You can book several appointments with the same doctor over time and in advance to allow yourself to see them on a regular basis if needed.
Lastly, doing research on insurance premiums and knowing how much each requested test costs will help in the fear because of financial reasons. Knowing the price of what your visit will cost in advance is a way to stay ahead financially and cut your fear of what the cost will do to you and how much you can afford at the time before choosing to do the test.
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Do you or someone you know fear the thought of going to the doctors? Here's a few ways to help. *link to article*

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