5 Tips to Curb Your Anxiety Before a Doctor’s Appointment

For some people, going to a doctor isn’t a walk in the park. Their stomach starts to churn, and cold sweats begin to appear when they think about their doctor’s appointment. If that’s you, we have 5 tips to overcome this anxiety so that you can better take care of your health. 

1.Schedule a Suitable Time

Before setting a time, look at the ebbs and flows of your anxiety levels during the day or week. For instance, if you feel more anxious in the morning, taking a morning appointment will only make it worse. Consider taking an afternoon or an evening appointment instead.

2.Go with a Family Member or a Friend

Going to a doctor’s appointment with a friend or a family member can placate your anxiety in myriad ways. While they’ll be a comforting presence in the clinic and distracting you with friendly conversation while you wait, they will also be attentive to catch important details about your treatment that you may miss in an anxiety-ridden state. 

3.Manage Your Breath

While we aren’t conscious about it, our breathing becomes shallower and shorter when we are stressed out invoking a cycle of anxiety. To relax yourself, its best to perform different breathing exercises. The most common of them is the 4-7-8 technique. In this, you inhale as you count till four, hold your breath as you count till seven, and exhale as you count till eight. While you do this, try filling your belly and not your chest.

4.Mentally Prepare Yourself

The job of tackling medical anxiety doesn’t have to be done at the doctor’s office only. You can mentally prepare yourself before going in an appointment by some mindfulness meditation. You must try to meditate on positive affirmation regarding your fear.

5.Have Your Vitals Noted at the End

If a doctor’s appointment makes your blood pressure soar, and your heart rate goes up, ask the nurse to take your vitals after meeting with the doctor. When you’re done meeting with the doctor, you’ll feel more relaxed about your health concerns, and you’ll be at ease as they take your vitals. 

Anxious to go to the Doctor’s Office? Try TelMDCare

TelMDCare is a virtual healthcare platform that provides telemedicine services. Patients can book online chat with doctor and get their prescriptions renewed online as well. We provide virtual doctor’s appointments for backpain, depression, anxiety, pink eye, skin rash, sinus infection, strep throat, UTI, and more. Contact us to schedule an appointment.