No one likes going to the doctor, dentist, etc. For someone with an anxiety disorder, it can be even worse.
For some, it is the fear of the doctor telling them they are ill or dying or that they are the statistical anomaly. I get it. A lymph node swells due to a cold, and suddenly it becomes, "Oh my God, it's cancer." You bump your shin? It's a stress fracture. Taking "the pill"? You're going to be the .03% that gets pregnant. You are also going to be the miniscule percentage of chiropractic patients that die during an adjustment. A little ache in the tooth? Root canal time. Oh, I definitely get it. Haven't we all felt like Woody Allen's character in the video below?
Also, anxiety about medical procedures can be overwhelming. For me, it is the blood draw or IV. If I know I'm going to have one done, I will become physically sick for days or weeks until it is over. I've actually been known to say that if I ever had a baby, I would rather go through labor without pain medication than have to deal with an epidural and an IV.
I'll always struggle with these parts of my anxiety, even though I've been treated successfully. Some people find relief by taking relaxation pills, Xanax, or other temporary stress reducers. Some use their faith to make it through and trust in God. Some think of happy thoughts. Personally, I just live with the anxiety, and when the time comes, simply breathe deeply and let things happen. I let the doctor or nurse know I am scared, and they will usually find a way to keep me distracted. Whether I panic or not, the procedure will still happen, and I will make it through. I breathe, and remind myself that I'm stronger than I think I am.
That being said, the more you expose yourself to the things you fear, the less they will scare you. You will realize that, in general, they aren't as bad as you think, and that the worst case scenario rarely happens. Personally, I have a goal of eventually being able to give blood on a regular basis. I'm not quite ready yet.
What have your experiences with fear and doctors/procedures been like? Let me know in the comments section.
Im convinced im dyin of cancer ive got it everywhere. I sit up every night on Google till stupid o clock reading information over and over again im gonna burst soon anyone else do this ???
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lkIQ39538Ig -- somehow I find this this to both hit home and be a wake up call at the same time. People shouldn't have to be this anxious, but when your brain races, it is hard not to be!
ReplyDeleteYes, absolutely. I am sorry you are having those obsessive thoughts. I go through this from time to time. Even if a doctor was to tell you you didn't have cancer, you'd be convinced he was wrong. I get it!! If you can go to bed before allowing yourself to search, or go take a walk, maybe that will help, but if nothing gets rid of those thoughts, seeing a doctor about anxiety treatment would probably give you a lot of relief. If you are already in treatment, let your doctor know you are still anxious.