What makes you nervous?

By Tracy Schruder

As someone who’s generally comfortable visiting the doctor for common ailments like colds or ear infections, I’m often surprised by the anxiety that creeps in when I receive an unexpected call from my doctor requesting bloodwork and a visit. It’s as if the unknown diagnosis creates a sense of unease that’s hard to shake off.

The Fear of the Unknown

At the core, we all tend to believe we’re healthy unless proven otherwise. However, when a doctor initiates a visit without an apparent reason, it’s natural to feel apprehensive. My past experiences have contributed to this anxiety, particularly a misdiagnosis that lasted six years. It was a challenging time, and the fear of it happening again still lingers.

The Importance of Trust and Self-Care

Despite my concerns, I have faith in my medical team and their ability to provide quality care. Currently, they’re keeping a close eye on a couple of health issues, and I’m grateful for their attention. When anxiety starts to feel overwhelming, I turn to exercise and meditation to calm my nerves. These self-care practices help me stay grounded and focused on the present moment.

Finding Strength in Uncertainty

I know I’m not alone in feeling nervous about unexpected doctor’s appointments. It’s natural to worry about the unknown, but I’ve learned to cope with these feelings by trusting my doctor and myself. While I’ll always feel a bit anxious until the visit is over, I’m confident in my ability to handle whatever life brings my way. By acknowledging my fears and taking care of myself, I’m able to face uncertainty with a sense of resilience.

Conclusion

Unexpected doctor’s appointments can be daunting, but it’s essential to approach them with a mix of faith in our medical team and self-care practices. By acknowledging our fears and taking steps to manage anxiety, we can navigate these situations with greater ease. Whether it’s through exercise, meditation, or simply trusting in our healthcare providers, we can find the strength to face uncertainty head-on.