Visiting a doctor about an embarrassing body issue can cause a lot of stress. You don’t even want to look at the affected area yourself – how are you supposed to let someone else see it? Or maybe the feeling of visiting the doctor is too tense for you? It can be hard to let a medical professional examine you if you’ve had a bad experience in the past.
That’s why it’s so important to use confidence-building methods like those below. The doctor’s office is a hard place to be, and you deserve to have some support on your side.
Write a ‘Script’
If you usually lose your way when it comes to looking the doctor in the eye, prepare a script of what you want to say beforehand. To prevent stumbling over your words and stuttering when you don’t mean to. With a script, you have a clear idea of what you want to say about your symptoms. And how you can ask about further testing and/or diagnosis if need be.
And remember, if there’s anything you don’t want to do, or you don’t like the way the doctor is speaking, you can say something. Even just ‘no’ is an effective way to take back control during the medical process.
If you’re a ‘nervous patient’, it’s easier than ever to have your needs addressed. Indeed, more and more people have asked for support when in such high-stress situations. Meaning more and more institutions are listening. That’s something you can rely on when you need to build up courage in order to see the doctor about something personal, and even a little invasive.
Next time you head into the office, ask for a chaperone. If that isn’t something you want to make use of, take one along with you that you trust and know well. This person can help you to sit through the appointment, and even advocate on your behalf if you find that to be a struggle. All in all, when you can’t do it, a chaperone is there to squeeze your hand and fight for your rights.
Doctors Have Seen Everything!
If you’re ever worried about showing a doctor something or asking for certain treatment that you’re not sure you’re entitled to, remember that the medical professional in front of you has seen everything.
From prescribing laser treatment for fungal nail to sending someone for an ADHD assessment, doctors and nurses will have dealt with most things over the course of their career. If you’re embarrassed about what reaction you’ll get, remember this above all else. You’re not going to be the first person coming to them and you won’t be the last either.
If you find it hard to talk to a doctor about your health, these are the tips for you. The more you know about what to expect inside the doctor’s office (and the fact that you’re allowed to ask for support) the better.
Bring a Support Person
Next time you head into the office, ask for a chaperone. If that isn’t something you want to make use of, take one along with you that you trust and know well. This person can help you to sit through the appointment, and even advocate on your behalf if you find that to be a struggle. All in all, when you can’t do it, a chaperone is there to squeeze your hand and fight for your rights. Additionally, having a support person can help you navigate discussions about biomedical products that may be used in your treatment, ensuring you fully understand the process.
