Do you experience medical anxiety? Whether it’s a routine checkup or a more extensive test, many people report feeling nervous and stressed prior to an appointment with a medical professional.
Do You Experience Medical Anxiety?
If this sounds like you, it should be a comfort to know you are not alone. And yet, while this type of anxiety is fairly common, it is also something that can be lessened and overcome with the right approach. Here are a few tips from the team here at Vision XRAY to help ease your nerves and make your appointment with us that much better.
Communicate Your Fears
Patients can experience anxiety for a variety of reasons. Sometimes the fear is related to a possible negative diagnosis. Other times, the anxiety may be connected to claustrophobia or a general fear of all things medical. The best way to deal with your concerns is to give voice to them. At Vision XRAY, we are committed to your comfort and care and we are happy to address your personal needs. If you have medical-related anxiety, let us know so that we can work together to make your experience with us the best it can be.
Learn – From the Right Sources
When nerves or fear is involved, often the culprit is simply lack of information. And when it comes to radiology and the medical field, there is a great deal that can seem complex and unfamiliar. To turn your anxiety around, investigate further. Knowledge, as the saying goes, is power.
However, this does not mean that you should Google every concern. The Internet is rife with alarming misinformation and can sometimes exacerbate medical anxiety. Instead, consult sources you trust. Our blog is a great place to search for answers to radiology-related queries, and we can also recommend other trustworthy sources.
Treat Yourself With Compassion
If you are one of the many who experience medical anxiety, it’s important to be gentle with yourself. It is absolutely normal to feel this way. Instead of being frustrated with yourself for your nerves, be kind and compassionate with yourself. Bring things along with you to an appointment than can distract or comfort you in the waiting room. Make your appointments on days when you know you have a flexible schedule so that you’ll feel more relaxed. Plan a reward or something to look forward to following your appointment, such as coffee with a friend or a trip to your favourite beach. These small things can go a long way toward reducing your medical anxiety and helping you grow more comfortable with appointments, scans, and more.