5 Tips for managing fear of the doctor's office
February 24, 2023
Living Well at Home
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When it’s time to see your doctor, do you feel anxious? If so, you are not alone! Multiple studies over the past 10 years have shown that about a third of adults report anxiety or fear surrounding doctor visits. Many of those people avoid getting the care they need due to their discomfort.
If you are reluctant to go to your doctor’s office, your feelings are valid. Many factors may play a role in your feelings, including past trauma, fear of receiving a serious diagnosis, or frustration with processes like scheduling and billing. But it’s important to remember that keeping up with routine medical care is essential to your health.
Below are some tips to overcome your nerves and get the care you need and deserve from your doctors.
- Be proactive about scheduling your appointments well in advance. A “set it and forget it” approach will ensure you don’t go long periods of time without routine wellness visits or check-ins with your specialists. Try to avoid scheduling appointments during times that are normally the most busy or stressful for you.
- Talk to your loved ones about what you are feeling. Sometimes, talking through our fears and confiding in friends and family can offer perspective. They may tell you about overcoming similar fears themselves, or let you know that it’s important to them that you stay healthy. If it would help put you at ease, you could ask someone to accompany you to your appointments.
- Be kind to yourself. When you feel fear or anxiety about anything (not just the doctor’s office), it can be tempting to engage in negative self-talk. Don’t judge yourself too harshly. Try to have compassion for your own feelings the way you would if a friend or loved one was telling you about a problem.
- Be honest about your feelings. While it may seem scary to talk to your doctor, sharing as much as you are comfortable may help you form a closer relationship. Developing this relationship may lessen your anxiety in the long-run because you will be seeing a provider you trust. Sharing that you are feeling nervous will also give your doctor important context. For example, if your anxiety causes your blood pressure to rise, they can take it into consideration when they look at your blood pressure reading during your visit.
- Get to know your options. If it’s difficult for you to travel to the doctor, or going to the doctor’s office causes you discomfort, virtual visits could be an option for you at home. If you feel like you need to see a different provider in order to address your anxiety or concerns, CCA can help refer you to someone else. You can call CCA member services to find out about other benefits that may be able to help you access care with less stress.
- In Massachusetts: 866-610-2273
- In Rhode Island: 833-346-9222
- In Michigan: 855-959-5855
- In California: 866-333-3530
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