Talking To Your Doctor: Tips For The Shy And Anxious
To make a diagnosis and treatment recommendations, doctors do not just rely on test results and observations. They also rely on your words and reports. However, some patients find it hard to talk openly and honestly with their doctors because they are shy, anxious, or a bit of both. So how can you talk more openly with your doctor, helping them to make a better diagnosis? Here are a few tips.
Remember your doctor's job is not to judge you
You might be a little embarrassed to talk about your issues because you are afraid your doctor will judge you or look down on you. But if it helps, you can remind yourself that they won't actually do this at all. Doctors are professionals. They are trained not to judge their patients. They want to help you, and they want you to talk to them openly. If you are having trouble convincing yourself of this, try watching some videos in which doctors speak about talking with their patients. Hearing their perspectives may help you feel more confident opening up.
Write down the important stuff
Before your appointment, try to write down the most important things you need to mention to your doctor or even the things you are most concerned you will be embarrassed to mention. Then, once you are in the doctor's office, you can just read off your sheet. If that is too hard, you can hand the sheet to your doctor and let them read it for themselves, which can be far less embarrassing.
Tell your doctor if you are feeling anxious
If your heart is racing, you feel nervous, or you are struggling to catch your breath before your doctor's appointment, you may have an anxiety disorder. Mention this to your doctor. It may be something they want to look into further and treat. Or they may offer you some more support and guidance as you begin speaking with them. They might ask more direct questions, give you extra privacy, or ask you to write down your symptoms as ways to help you feel less anxious.
If you are a shy or anxious person, then visiting the doctor can be hard. However, it is important to be honest with your doctor regardless of your feelings. Follow the tips above, and over time, opening up about your health and wellness should become somewhat easier for you.
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