Anxiety Over Appointment

[PTSDbegone]

I know I'm not the only one who has a lot of anxiety over doctor appointments. I have an eye appointment tomorrow that I am absolutely dreading. I would rather go to the dentist 10 times than see the eye doctor once. I try deep breathing, and not over thinking things. So far it's not helping. Anyone out there have any tips or tricks they use to get through such appointments?

Thank you!

 

[iwannadeletethis]

I know I'm not the only one who has a lot of anxiety over doctor appointments. I have an eye appointm...

I literally just power through it and it SUCK!! But maybe bring a joke book? Focus on something that'll help keep it light?

 

[PTSDbegone]

A joke book isn't a bad idea at all. I may look for something funny I can bring with me. Thanks for the great idea. Now the only problem is being able to focus on that, and not the anxiety.

 

[jaccat]

I try and focus on my breathing, nice slow breaths, kind of mindfully. If I can't do that distractions help. A sudden burst of housework just beforehand is good.

 

[Truthful_Whispers]

I have some anxiety over not only the appointment itself--the interaction with the doctor, staff and all--but by simply leaving my home and going out into the world (namely human society. Nature doesn't bother me). To me, society is full of triggers. I am not unfriendly to anyone in any way, but I would much rather just avoid it all. Some days, it is worse than others.

 

[PTSDbegone]

Thanks for the suggestions all. I survived it of course. Turns out both my eyes are infected, and I wasn't even aware of it. I was just worried about the overall appointment. Now the search for new glasses. Another thing I dread. All that time having to look in mirrors.

 

[Tinyflame]

Yes totally 'get it'. Avoid dentists, Dr's , mirrors, forget what I'm supposed to say. Won't look in the mirror at the hair dresser used to drive him crazy. Now I give the hair away so avoid that for long stretches. Last Dr forgot to mention they forgot to freeze the area (I didn't say, didn't cry she thought the running eyes was from something else?) & forgot the bloodwork (I remembered but didn't say), & other stuff, like checking if I was allergic to the dye. I figured I'll find out.

I actually hate every facet of all appointments, or asking for stuff.

Good luck @PTSDbegone . The worst is over :tup: :hug:

 

[PTSDbegone]

OH @Junebug I can totally relate. Mirrors at the hairdresser is a huge trigger. I just thought it was me. Sorry to hear you deal with this stuff as well.

Asking for stuff is another very hard thing to do. Very hard! I guess we believe we don't deserve anything. I don't know.

 

[Tinyflame]

Yes I suppose that is right.

:hug: @PTSDbegone Xox.

 

[Chava]

It's obviously gotta be dark once they are checking your eyes but my eye doctor leaves the door open a crack and I think that's most excellent.

Glad you got through..

 

[Let It Be]

No, you're not the only one. I have a feeling my eye doctor is very glad that I only come to his office once a year. I had no idea that when I went there in June that it would affect me like it did.

I believe I thought my eyes were okay with no changes, etc. but when he told me that I needed new glasses, my anxiety came out to play. Of course, my eyes were dilated so I couldn't see and I just hate picking out new glasses, so I let his assistant do it for me. Just making the change was overwhelming for me. I sure hope I handle seeing him next year better than I did this time, oh well.

Believe it or not, I then had a dentist appointment a week later, and I made it through having my teeth cleaned without a problem.