Doctor Visits, Medical Procedures and Medical Insurance / Question
Published: July 30, 2003
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I was just wondering if you got my previous question about being terrified of visiting a doctor. I'm getting really nervous and scared about visiting a doctor. I have a few things wrong with me but sometimes I feel that I'd rather die than ever set foot into a hospital or doctor's office. I am terrified but I know I need to get checked in case anything is wrong. Please can you help me change my mind about doctors and hospitals. I'm scared and don't know what to do!!! Can you please help me A.S.A.P? Thank you.
Signed: Terrified To Visit The Doctor
Dear Terrified To Visit The Doctor,
TeenHealthFX can tell that you are feeling very scared and nervous. Hopefully we will be able to give you the confidence you need to see a doctor.
Most people get a little anxious about getting medical care. However, being terrified is extreme, especially since you say that you have a few things wrong with you. Have you ever had a negative experience with a doctor, hospital or any other healthcare provider that has caused this? If you have or even if you have not, we strongly recommend you speak to your parents or another adult about this. Talk to them about your fears and let them know you want some help overcoming this. It is important that you do not delay medical visits because you are scared, and it is also important, since this fear sounds so strong, that you try to get to the bottom of it.
If you are unable to overcome this fear on your own and continue to feel this scared, then we recommend that you speak to a therapist to try to understand why you are having such a hard time with this. It may be that there are deeper issues underlying this fear, and they will not go away until you address them. If you live in northern New Jersey and would like help finding a therapist you can call the Access Center from Atlantic Behavioral Health at 888.247.1400. If you live outside of northern New Jersey and need help finding a therapist you can log on to the US Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA) website.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
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