Fear of doctors is one of the typical phobias of our time. The reasons for this are very different: someone from childhood is afraid of pain, someone simply becomes uncomfortable from medical odors and sterile white coats. But irrational horrors can be defeated if you deal with them wisely. To use the services of doctors is simply necessary.
Causes of fears
At least a slight fear of doctors, which prevents people from being examined at the right time or seeking treatment, is present in at least a third of people. This is the kind of data that the psychologists who investigated the problem call.
This cannot be called strange, because in recent years, medical errors have become an increasingly common reason for news stories or newspaper reports. It cannot be said at all that cases have really become more frequent, rather, on the contrary. Medicine has made tremendous progress, today such diseases are cured, which in the recent past were considered a death sentence. But one case is enough for fear to appear in my head: what if something like this happens to me? It should be realized that this fear is as unjustified as the panic at the time of crossing the road lane. Yes, accidents do happen, but if you look around and follow the rules of the road, you risk very little. So it is with doctors.
How to deal with fear
For some, the cause of fear is pain. This is especially the case when it comes to dentists. Perhaps you have had an unpleasant experience and are subconsciously afraid to repeat it. But to cope with such fear, you must always, absolutely always use anesthesia. There are very few areas of medicine today where anesthesia cannot be used, and they are extremely rare.
Coping with fear when visiting your doctor
You realized that it is necessary to visit a doctor, but you understand that you are scared. Perhaps you are even postponing the visit with all your might. Realize your fear and schedule a visit to the doctor.
Before calling and making an appointment, and before going to the clinic, do not drink stimulating drinks such as black tea or coffee. Try to breathe slowly and deeply. When people are afraid, they begin to "swallow air", the brain lacks oxygen, and panic intensifies.
Think about what exactly you are afraid of. If you have an injection in front of the treatment room, try to think of something pleasant. Think about your last vacation, good sex, or a fun evening with friends. Dream. Remember to breathe deeply and calmly. You can't get hung up on panic.
Check with your doctor for all the details regarding your treatment. Often, fear arises from the patient's ignorance, because they are going to do something with you, and you do not even know exactly what.
If you cannot cope with fear on your own, then it may be worth contacting a psychologist. With some phobias, a person is really not able to cope on his own.
