How do you get over White Coat Syndrome?

You could try imagining them naked.

Doesn’t work, even my Happy Place doesnt. Tried xanax for a year doesn’t work.

Are there any doctors you see that you feel comfortable with?

I would think it’s more about finding your particular fear/anxiety with the doctor than any blanket recommendation, but maybe a couple of things that might sound apt for you…

I take a list of questions to the doctor now, on a physical pad, and then jot down notes if I want to. It’s like an agenda for us to work off of collectively rather than relying on the doctor to cover everything from memory. They see dozens of people and each has their own style, and they’re not mind readers, so it helps me cover everything in one quick appointment rather than having to come back.

Not related to the doctor, but when I have a meeting I’m anxious about, I try to prepare well before (if possible) and then take something else to work on while waiting for the meeting. Basically once I’ve done my homework, rely on that and get your mind somewhere else. That way the anxiety can’t build, because you’re busy and doing something that doesn’t make you anxious. This would probably work well for the doctor’s office as well because many times you’re waiting more than you’re “doing” anything.

One last thing, I hope isn’t out of line, and is meant kindly. You’ve mentioned you don’t like not being in control, and the doctor’s office is definitely one of those situations where we’re all at the whims of others. Maybe finding ways to feel more in control, or a doctor who allows you to be more in control of your care, would help?

Well. Not all phobias are baseless.

I have to get my eyes examined soon. I’m not scared of what they do. But I hate the part where they shoot air into my eyes. I’m dreading it…

Do you have issues with hospitals, or just the doctors?

I love my doctor, but I do have control issues. Seems like it’s got worse since my moms cancer diagnosis a decade ago. I know the psychology is all about fear and lack of control, but I need a solution. Two months of stress about a dang yearly physical is wearing me out. Logically I know what will be will be.

@MrGrimm I hate that puff too, almost as bad as the dye test! I think part of my stress is that I fear failure, and I almost feel like it’s the SAT, it’s very odd. Even for me lol.
Never been in hospital as an adult but I do associate them with germs and death and stress.

I have it. I mention it to the folks taking my BP, and I use meditation techniques to try to reduce it.

Do you think if you doctor wore a pastel lab coat this might help?

@Rojo Nah lol, it’s just in my head. Not his problem. He knows the issue and screensgots my home bp records.

If there’s nothing that you know of to be “wrong”, then why go to the doctor at all just because someone has said you should do it annually? I see my dentist twice a year because my teeth do need the attention and review of the aging process and all that brings with it. But I haven’t seen a doctor in about five years, and that time was because I literally broke my arm.

^^ just wondering how someone would figuratively break their arm

@KNOWITALL I my case it was the antiseptic smells in hospitals and clinics which produced the fear, panic feeling for years. i always had such an interest in all things medical and I tried very hard to replace bad memories of those smells with good memories, such as associating those smells with environment being very clean. Became a practical nurse and then a pharmacy technician.

@CWOTUS Insurance requirement to get lower rates.

@si3tech I actually was studying to be a doctor at one point, even as far as back as a teenager in medical programs, but I’m not a caregiver personality in that aspect.

I have it, It’s severe.

@LornaLove Stinks right? I hate it.

@KNOWITALL sorry I half answered this, I lost power during typing it!

I have a terrible ‘medical phobia’. It is severe. I am so scared of anything medical it has in fact crippled me. I can’t even describe to you how bad it is. It has grown arms and legs so to speak.

Anyway, the main thing is that it falls under the umbrella anxiety. It is really anxiety. Anxiety itself is a massive topic, but to nutshell it here, it doesn’t really matter where the anxiety lays, for e.g. you’ve chosen white coats, it could be flying or a fear of something else, but the underlying issue that is causing raised anxiety should really be what you are looking at, if that makes sense?

Yes, our family either worry constantly or not at all lol

Just letting ya’ll know I tried @Zaku ‘s idea on meditation and it worked! My bp was the best reading in at least four years and I actually enjoyed the visit at least 30% more than usual. Thanks Zaku!

^^ Yay!

@janbb See, I do listen sometimes! hahaa

heehee

@KNOWITALL That’s great! Very glad to hear it!