Anxiety about Dr’s appointments

@spicyavocado3788

Ahh same, anything doctor/ hospital related can be quite anxiety-inducing, even if its something more routine-ish and somewhere we may know it's going to be okay. The brain sure doesn't listen usually though, hmmphh. I read this somewhere that the anxious an stressful thoughts are our brain's way of protecting us by making us think of all the what-ifs so we can be a little more prepared, just in case X thing happens, it's in a very twisted way our brain's way of "helping" us, just doesn't feel like that hehe (': you're definitely not alone in feeling stressed about it though, and I'm glad you reached out for suggestions on dealing with the same!

Different things may work for people differently, some like to have a trusted family member or friend to accompany if possible, or even if they could be on-call to just remind us that it's all okay, or carry a comfort-item with them to the appointment etc.

I like to listen to calming music, to slow the nerves a lil down, brisk walking helps me too, in general with anxiety.

Other times repeating to myself that everything will be alright, more in a "there, there, you've done this before, it went okay, it'll be okay again" way comforts me too hehe. This, I tried a little while back, changing my phone's lock screen to a comforting reminder/ affirmation ("breathe, it's all okay") so whenever the panicky thoughts crept in, I could look at the screen and it did help me then.

What beings you comfort usually, or something you've tried in past?

I do hope the appointment goes well. Sending kind thoughts and comfy beams your way.💗

I think I may be able to help. I've been to a whole lot of doctors lately. First, there's nothing wrong with you. It is so very common they named a condition after it. It's called white coat hypertension. People give themselves high blood pressure at the thought of going to the doctor. I know. I do it. 🤣. People also get panic and all sorts of things.

What helps: Just know this happens and try to prepare ahead. If you can't bring a buddy, try talking on here in the waiting room. Often times, trying to read when anxious makes it worse for me. On the way there, think about how you are making yourself healthier and not what could be wrong. This takes practice...a lot of practice. Listen to good music, watch a funny movie, look at memes (whatever you can tolerate that will make you laugh) before you go. Lastly, breathe for real from your belly and through your nose because the anticipation is usually worse than reality. 😊