If you often feel nervous about visiting the private GP or dentist, you are not alone. In fact, there are thousands of people who suffer from what medical experts call white coat syndrome. For them, being in a medical environment and the fear of getting bad news causes sweating, high blood pressure, and a racing heart. It can even lead to low blood pressure which can cause the patient to faint. While these symptoms are real, we still have to go to the private clinic and dentist if we are to stay healthy.
With that being said, we are going to take a look at some tips which can help reduce your anxiety about seeing the doctor. Let’s get started:
First, let’s take a look at some of the causes of anxiety. There are many reasons why people feel anxious about visiting a healthcare professional including:
- A past traumatic experience.
- The feeling of an invasion of personal space.
- Anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder.
- Loss of control.
- Trust issues.
- Anxiety associated with other conditions like agoraphobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or claustrophobia.
Now let’s take a look at some ways to reduce white coat syndrome:
Deep Breathing- one of the best ways to reduce anxiety is to practice deep breathing exercises. When you are anxious or stressed, it’s common to breathe too fast and shallow. This can lead to an increased heart rate and dizziness which, in turn, triggers a stress response from your body and causes a panic attack. By focusing on your breathing and breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth, you can slow it down enough to relax.
Visiting A Psychologist- sometimes our anxiety is so severe that we might need to visit a psychologist for help. A psychologist can help you to overcome the reason behind the anxiety so you will feel comfortable going to your private GP.
Find A Distraction- distracting yourself is another way to ease anxiety related to a doctor appointment. Try looking at your smartphone or listening to your favourite music.
Bring A Loved One Or Friend- bringing along a friend or loved one to the doctor can help alleviate some of the stress and anxiety that you feel. They can help you calm down when you start to feel uncomfortable.
Contact Northway Clinic
To learn more tips to reducing anxiety about seeing the doctor, contact Northway Clinic today and speak to a healthcare professional who can answer any questions you might have.
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