What Do You Do If You're Terrified Of The Doctor?

pope · Joined: 05 Dec 2006 Posts: 36

I've been shy all my life, but the last year or two (I'm 21 now) it has turned into a pretty severe anxiety problem. That has caused me to be pretty depressed, and now I have another issue I need to go to the doctor about, but I'm not going into detail about that.
All these problems mean my life is really quite horrible, and I really want to go to the doctor to try and get better. The problem is, I'm absolutely terrified to go. I've never been more afraid of anything in my life, and I don't even know why. The more I think about it the worse it gets, sometimes it even makes me throw up to think about it. Just writing this post has me in tears. I've only been to a doc probably 2-3 times in the last 10 years, and then only for minor stuff. My main problem is I know I'll need a physical, for the first time since I was about 9, and I'm not even comfortable getting undressed in front of my DOG! I can barely sign my name on a credit card receipt in front of strangers for Christ sake! (I have trouble spelling my own name I get so nervous) I'm also terribly afraid of needles, and I know there's going to be at least a few of those in my future.

What the heck can I do? I know this is a totally unreasonable fear, but that doesn't make it go away. It would probably help if I could treat the anxiety before getting a physical, but that isn't really an option is it? If I went to the doctor complaining ONLY of anxiety, I'd get a physical for that too, right?

woong · Joined: 05 Dec 2006 Posts: 32

Hi
it isn't an unreasonable fear, I have the same fear. I have also gone through quite a few counselors for the same reason too. I found a counselor that I really trusted and she came with me, she took me, and I asked for her to come into the consulting room too, we discussed what we wanted to have said and she did most of the talking too.
Have you a very close friend, maybe the friend come with you? Also write down everything you want to tell the dry and let them read about you. I have also done that too.
I never had a physical when I went to the dr over anxiety/depression, also I needed one for something else, but because I said I didn't want one, I never had one.
Please try not to panic, if you get there, do some breathing exercises whilst you are waiting to go in. I do now go on my own, but she knows she won't get much from me, but enough for a 5min appointment.
It is so good to hear that you are wanting to get yourself 'better'

aeunjoo · Joined: 05 Dec 2006 Posts: 37

That is good to hear. I just keep reading everything I can about my problems, and everything I've read says the doctor will start with a physical. Has anyone else here with anxiety or depression been required to have a physical before you could get any help?
I'll still need one no matter what, and it seems reasonable for the doctor to do that to rule out any other issues, but it would be nice if I could do this one step at a time.

I wonder, are there doctors that specialize in fearful patients? I know some dentists do. Would it be reasonable to ask for some kind of tranquilizer before getting a physical?