How Adults Can Cope With the Fear of Doctors

Contrary to what some may believe, children aren’t the only people who deal with the fear of doctors. According to a WebMD article titled, Beyond White Coat Syndrome, nearly 20 percent of the population experiences this issue. With that being said, Nathan Consedine, PhD, an associate professor Department of Psychological Medicine at The University of Auckland, assures that this feeling isn’t out of the norm. He states that this fear is not directly related to the medical professionals themselves. However, people associate hospitals, doctor’s offices, and clinics with sickness, disease, and injury, thus creating natural feelings of uneasiness. Luckily, people don’t have to avoid doctors altogether as a way to cope with their concerns. Instead, there are several helpful steps that can be taken.
Focus on the Positive
Choosing to focus on the positive side is a great way to circumvent this anxiety. One of the main duties of medical professionals is preventative care. When a person makes a trip to a physician on a regular basis, he or she is helping to ensure their health now and in the future. For instance, physicians can spot issues before they develop. Tumors, in particular, can grow and become cancerous or even life-threatening. However, when they are discovered at the beginning stages, preventative measures can be taken and many lives can be saved. So, the upside that can come along with seeing a specialist far outweighs any fears.