If you’re nervous about seeing the doctor, your feelings are valid. It’s a common sentiment to feel uneasy when you may already have concerns about your own health–but know that doctors are here to help you. We have yet to meet a physician with a degree in judging people (outside the parameters of medical advice, that is).
In fact, avoiding the doctor can have real consequences. Nearly 40% of Americans admit to delaying their doctor’s visits,1 while nearly one in five Americans confirm they haven't seen a doctor in over five years.2 These are incredibly dangerous risks to take. Getting early diagnoses and following your doctor’s advice right away can severely impact the severity of a condition. If you find yourself among the many who dread it, worry not—there are some tips and tricks to pacify your worries.
1. Do Some Phone Prep
Deep breaths, you got this. The hardest part for many can be simply hitting the call button, and the talking part is easier. Remember that the person on the receiving end of the call is there to help you, and writing down a few notes or a script to reference can help you stay focused. They’ll ask you for some details like your name, if you’re a new or recurring patient, and a general description of why you’re calling. You don’t have to get into the details over the phone if you don’t want to–a broad description will suffice.
2. Bring Someone Along
If your partner, family member, or friend brings you a sense of peace, why not ask them to tag along? A sense of familiarity can help you feel grounded in your body. While your loved one can drop you off and pick you up, some doctors will allow them to wait in the waiting room or even accompany you inside the examination room. Consider doing some research prior to your appointment to assess what the appointment might look like with a loved one there beside you.
3. Be Honest
While it can seem challenging, it only benefits you to be 100% honest during your doctor’s visit. You are protected by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which protects a person's medical records and other individually identifiable health information, known as protected health information (PHI).
Your doctor’s duty is to aid and console, though that can only be fulfilled through vulnerability and honesty. With that, it will also benefit you to be upfront about your anxiety. It can be useful information for them to know as they guide you through your appointment.
4. Write Down Your Questions
When you’re in an anxious state, it’s hard to think straight. You may find yourself forgetting to mention crucial details. To help guide you and keep the appointment on track, take some time to write down all of your questions and use them as checkpoints throughout the appointment. This will ensure you address everything you want to cover.
Similarly, make sure to take pictures of any medications or supplements you’re currently taking. It can be difficult to remember these things off the top of your head, and a visual aid will give you less to memorize.
5. Accept That You’re Human
We can be our own harshest critics. Remember: doctors interact with thousands of people with every kind of health condition on the spectrum. You’re surely not their “weirdest” case, nor the first time they’ve seen a patient with your issue. Do your best to accept how innately embarrassing and complex it can feel to be a human being. If we all admit that we’re in on it, it can make it feel less isolating.
6. Schedule Your Appointment Strategically
You know yourself best, so use that to your benefit. If you find you experience less mental fog in the afternoon vs early morning, do your best to schedule your visit accordingly. Sometimes, the amount of food we have in our stomachs and being able to get in some movement in can make all the difference in how we process stress.
Ultimately, doctors are here to help. They pour years of their lives into study, mastering their craft in hopes of taking care of their community. They're our friends, parents, siblings, and complex humans with ailments and fears—just like we do. Giving yourself permission to see them as your ally can make all the difference.
A note on sex and gender: Sex and gender exists on spectrums, and this article uses terms like “male” or “female” to refer to sex assigned at birth. Learn more.
