Let’s face it, I know you’re avoiding me. Even though we both know we have a date (so to speak) you’re playing way too hard to get. I’m talking about your regular wellness check “dates” and I’m acknowledging that a large percentage of you find excuses for – or all-out-ignore – the fact that you need to be checking in with your regular physician, your Ob-Gyn – any other specialist you need to remain in optimal health – on a regular basis, not just when you feel something irregular may be going on.
Here’s something else I know: Fear of the doctor is a normal, common thing. For some it’s just a little bit of tension, and for others it can manifest into a full-fledged anxiety situation. Making and following through with those appointments isn’t always easy, and I empathize with you, I really do. Going to your doctor’s appointments isn’t the same as a girl’s day at the spa and often we let a lot of anxiety build up (perhaps supplemented by some symptoms Google searching) and all of that can lead you to avoiding your necessary appointments all together.
Well it’s got to stop. In fact, the way to ensure you spend as little time as possible in any medical offices, is by making sure you go in the first place. It’s all about prevention! If we work together, now and regularly to keep you in optimal health, you can spend less time with doctor’s like me and more time doing the things you love. The cherry on top is that you’ll be feeling amazing while doing them.
Like I said, I’m human too, and I know fear of physicals, annuals, and other appointments is valid and normal. But we can’t let it stop us, so to help you break through those feelings I’ve got some helpful suggestions to get you out of your Doctor-Avoidance zone.
If you have any tips that work for you be sure to share them in the comment section below!
#1 Build Your Health “Dream Team”
Your body is your temple, your health is a priority, and everyone working on it should feel the same way. I want you to spend as much time as needed building a health “dream team” that is filled with doctors and other practitioners who you feel comfortable with, who you trust, who you feel good about, and who you truly feel you can work with and talk with (openly and honestly) about keeping yourself in good health. You truly can like your physicians. Ask your friends, get on Google, and check with other doctors you’re already seeing for references. Make yourself – and your health – a priority and take the time to assemble a supportive team to rely on. You’ll see that your appointments will quickly become a more positive experience.
#2 Focus on What Motivates You Health-Wise
Instead of letting yourself get fixated on your fears and anxiety-inducing anticipation, start focusing on why you want to be your healthiest self. I’m talking, make a list and writing down specific, real reasons that keeping your health in check is important. Refer to this list regularly. Perhaps it’s because you want to be a fit and healthy parent for years to come. Maybe you want to avoid health problems that your relatives had or have. Maybe it’s all about looking fine in a leather pencil skirt or swimwear (that’s fine, we all have our reasons). You may be someone who is just sick and tired of, well, feeling sick and tired, and you’re in need of a major health overhaul.
The key is to put your attention on the Why, why you should be going to the doctor, as well as the positives, what positive benefits you’ll get out of going.
What we focus on expands, so shift your thinking from fear-based thoughts to the rewards of a healthy life supported by professionals that you know, like, and trust.
#3 Take the Mystery Out of Your Healthcare
This is not a case of “ignorance is bliss”. You don’t have to wonder about what’s going on in your body, during your appointments, or before, during, and after a procedure. Instead of being a bystander while you go to the doctor, take tests, or take in advice your a medical professional is giving you, be sure you understand every part of the process. Ask questions, and if you still don’t understand something – whether it’s a blood test or a poke or prod – ask about it. When you begin to demystify what’s going on and why it’s happening, you’ll stop feeding yourself anxiety-inducing hypothetical thoughts and you’ll stop fearing the unknown. Knowledge is not only power, knowledge is a fear-buster, trust me.
Now it’s your turn:
Do you have any stress or anxiety when it comes to seeing a doctor? What have you done to tackle it? Share your story or tips in the comments below!