Does the thought of going to the doctor put fear immediately into your mind?
If so, you are not alone. It is estimated that about 20 percent of the population suffers from what is referred to as “white coat syndrome,” in which a person’s blood pressure shoots up when in the presence of a healthcare practitioner and even higher when going to a specialist healthcare professional. But if the fear of doctors is getting in the way of you receiving proper healthcare, you should do something about it for the sake of your health. And acknowledging your fear is the first step to getting beyond it.
The “Why”
There are many valid reasons why people do not like healthcare offices, including the association of these places with pain and illness. To begin let us address that many people are embarrassed to discuss medical issues for fear being given a lecture about their unhealthy behaviors. Or maybe they do not like being touched or dread the possibility of a painful procedure. Then there’s an issue of mistrust that’s made worse by the absence of personal familiarity and the stories of medical errors that are always hitting the news.
Unfortunately even when people are feeling healthy, going in for a preventative exam can still trigger uneasiness. They might wonder, “What if the exam reveals problems I didn’t know I have?” Sometimes they’d actually rather not find out. However, not knowing (or finding out about health issues too late) presents its own risks. Truth is, knowledge is power. And ignorance can be dangerous. Despite these facts, some people avoid interacting with healthcare providers.
Conquering Your Fears
If you are among those with a fear of doctors, you can use some of the following tips that experts have devised to help people deal with it:
Look Deeper to Identify Cause – Often, people just have a general uneasy feeling that they can’t pinpoint. Identifying the source of your anxiety can help you to manage the fear far better than trying to battle an unknown opponent, and you can then deal with your fears more rationally.
Find A Doctor That Fits – Look for someone you can connect with, who you feel comfortable talking to about problems and who you feel listens to and understands you. Remember a chiropractic/physical therapy health practice has a hands on approach and this trust and connections is especially important.
Ask Questions – It is important to ask your questions. Doctors should always be happy to help you understand not only your health challenge but what has occurred and the method they use to correct and rehabilitate the degenerated or injured area. It will help you to be more mentally and emotionally prepared when going for a visit when you know what to expect.
Bring A Friend or Love One – It often helps to have a family member or friend with you when you visit the doctor or have a treatment done. They can be there to relieve your anxiety and provide emotional support when it’s needed.
Doctor of the Future
Your doctor of chiropractic and physical medicine integrated team are there to help ensure that you are as healthy as you can be, and prevention is always the best medicine. So make the very best use of your visits with these expert healthcare professionals! Use these tips to help get past your fears so that you can enjoy a long and healthy life, free from illness, and get on the path to wellness.
For Your Health,
Dr. Ryan Moorman
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