3 Simple Ways to Overcome Your Fear Of Health Screenings!

When we let our fear get in the way of our regular health screenings we risk our long term well being. It is critical that we take ownership of our healthcare and schedule those doctor and dentist appointments. Here are three ways I overcame my fears about healthcare screenings and began being a better steward of my own health.

No One Drags Us to the Doctor

When we were young, our parents took us to the doctor for our checkups yearly. They made our appointments and drove us there. It didn’t matter whether we were happy, sad, angry, or fearful. We were not in charge of our health yet, and our parent decided it was time to go. If we were due for a vaccine, our parent would take us. Our opinion on the matter wouldn’t have a material impact on the outcome. The trip to the doctor wasn’t optional. 

Fast forward many years, and our parents no longer make our medical or dental appointments. We could go see our doctor yearly for a check up, or never. We could find a local dentist and establish a rapport and go in ever six months, or we could wait until something hurts. 

It was amazing to me how my fear of regular health screenings developed as I let more and more time pass between doctor’s visits. It wasn’t always that way.

Some Appointments I Never Skipped…

When I was in my twenties and I was pregnant, I made sure that I saw my gynecologist whenever it was required. I never missed an appointment. I was carrying a baby, and it was too important to skip a screening or a test. It was necessary and critical for both my health, and the health of my baby to see the doctor, take that ultrasound, or  drink the disgusting drink to test for gestational diabetes.

I was diligent about seeing my OB GYN until I was done with having babies and my husband had his vasectomy. I didn’t need that prescription for birth control, so the appointment became superfluous in my mind. It wasn’t as necessary for me to see the doctor, so I didn’t. No one made the appointment for me, so it didn’t happen. 

I didn’t abandon all my medical or dental appointments. I kept going to see my optometrist and my dentist. And, occasionally, I would make my appointment for a physical. But I wasn’t regular about it. The space between the appointments left a fertile ground for me to cultivate a fear of what might happen. 

When I needed to go to the doctor, because it was on my calendar or because I was feeling ill, then I could move beyond the fear. The necessity of solving the problem gave me the push I needed to get to that appointment.

The Screenings I Feared the Most!

Regular screenings, physicals, pap smears, and the mammogram were not high on my list of things to do. Because I don’t get sick much, I wasn’t seeing my provider very regularly. I felt fine in general, so why take the time to go and actively look for problems?  I was homeschooling the boys, so I would need to schedule care for them if I wanted to see a doctor.  I didn’t have space in the day where they were at school and I didn’t need to worry about their supervision.  

My preventative care was pretty sporadic for most of my twenties and thirties. However,  I was diligent about the preventative care for my kids.  They always had their physicals and vaccines.  But, I didn’t always “find time” for my care.  As I got a little older, the fear really began to kick in.  What if they found something?  How would we handle it?  Did I really want to add another worry to my life? 

I allowed that fear to prevent me from getting the regular screenings I needed.  There was always something more important to do, and that seemed to be a good enough reason.

That changed for me after turning forty.  I knew that it was time for me to get a mammogram, and that ignoring that milestone could cause problems for me. 

3 Simple Ways I Overcame My Fear of Health Screenings

So what changed?  How did I overcome my fear of regular health screenings? Here are three things that helped me move beyond my fears and make the needed appointments.

1.  Understand Your “Why”

In order to do difficult things, we need to understand why we are doing them. Simon Sinek has some great resources on this idea here, so please check it out!,

Understanding your “why” is a really key component to self mastery, not only in your health but in your life in general.  When we do things that are unpleasant yet beneficial, it is because we have decided that the end result is worth the discomfort.  Runners push through the initial pain because they have a desire to feel the satisfaction of having completed their run.  We clean the kitchen, an unpleasant task, because we desire to have a welcoming space for our family.  We drive in traffic because we understand our purpose in going to work each day. 

In order to overcome your fear with regard to your health, and the regular screenings, you need to figure out your reason, your “why.”

  Personally, I decided that I wanted to be healthy so I could enjoy my life with my family.  I wanted to thrive as I grew older, and that required diligent action on my part to maintain my health.  It was my love for my children and my husband which enabled me to conquer my fear and schedule the necessary screenings.  

Do you have a purpose?  Why is your health important to you?  What could motivate you to schedule those critical appointments?

2.  Choose Excellent Providers

Another way to overcome your fears of health screenings is to choose excellent doctor’s to see.

When I was in my mid-twenties, we moved to our current town, and I made some initial choices for my healthcare.  I chose my dentist, my doctor, my optometrist,  and my OBGYN. How did I choose these providers?  I asked my family who lived in town, I used a referral service, and I just checked to see who I could see with our insurance.  I made decisions based on how close they were to my home and if they had a website or media presence, I would use those to help me make a choice.

Some of those health care providers I still see.  I have been going to the same dentist for the last seventeen years!  He is great!  He takes care of my entire family, and it has been a fantastic choice for us.  

There were others that I just didn’t click with.  They were competent and functional as physicians, but I didn’t have a rapport with them which would compel me to continue to see them on a regular basis.  But, instead of finding another doctor, I would just not make another appointment to follow up.  

That changed after my abnormal mammogram last year.  I made a key decision to move medical groups to see a specialist once I found out I would need a biopsy.  I wanted a doctor who would see me regularly and monitor my breast health.  I have a collection of fibroadenomas (which are benign) and I wanted a breast specialist to be in charge of my care.  

It was one of the best decisions I have made thus far for my health.  The surgeon I found was knowledgeable, caring, responsive, and excellent at his practice.  He has spent his career doing breast surgery, and exuded a confidence in his demeanor which put me at ease.  He was thorough in his diagnosis process, and despite his heavy patient load, he would respond to my messages and calls promptly.  When I was waiting for surgery, he saw me and greeted me with a level of personal care which put me immediately at ease.

Since I made the change in care groups, I have had the most amazing experience with a variety of doctors and nurses.  They put such a value on my personal well being that I feel empowered to ask questions and take charge over my health.  My confidence in their care has helped me overcome any fear that I may have previously had over getting the screenings done.  

If you aren’t clicking with your doctor, dentist, or optometrist, then can I encourage you to fire them?  Go find another provider who will work better for you.  If you have a doctor who is always late, and that is bothering you, then change doctors.  There are medical groups which allow their doctors to schedule fewer appointments so that you will have more time to see your doctor.  If you have a great provider, you will be more motivated to make that appointment and take care of your health. It will also help you not be so afraid when those screening come up.

3.  Advocate for Yourself, or Bring a Support Person 

Another way to overcome your fear of health screenings is to bring someone with you!

It is amazing how much we forget when we get into an exam gown and sit on a table.  We know all the reasons for the appointment, then once the doctor comes in, we clam up.  How do we make these appointments effective, and also be an advocate for our own personal health?

Be clear about your needs.  This is a critical component to getting excellent health care.  I’ll give you an example.  I tend to pass out when I need to get a blood test.  So, whenever I am preparing for a blood test, I always tell the lab technician.  Invariably, they are extremely grateful that I would tell them.  Many times, I will get to lie down to have the test done.  They will be very patient with me and take extra precautions to ensure my comfort.  If I ask for juice at the end of the test, they will happily provide it.  And, when I do ok and don’t pass out, they are happy to praise me about how well I did.  This extra reinforcement adds to my confidence that I can do hard medical things.

If you struggle with a test or procedure, say something!  Don’t suffer in silence.  Ask questions, request support, and advocate for yourself.  The providers can’t help you if you suffer in silence.  And, if you end up with a provider who is dismissive of your concerns, then find another one!  

Go into the appointment with written down questions. This will help you make sure you don’t forget exactly what to ask the doctor when you are in that exam gown. Also, having a support person with you can help you keep track of your doctors answers. Unfortunately, with the new pandemic, there are many more restrictions with regards to having people come with you to appointments. So, make sure you have your notes ready so that you can be effective at getting your questions answered. 

When we advocate for our health, we are able to move from a position of fear about what might happen to a position of knowledge and strength. We may still have health challenges, but by asking questions we can address them and move towards healing. 

I can’t tell you that I have completely gotten over my fear with regards to my own personal health. But, I have a care team now who I trust with my wellness. I have a surgeon who is detailed and skilled, a gynecologist who will listen to my personal questions, and an oncologist who will listen to my concerns. I also know why I will not skip my screenings. My family and future is too important. I love them and I want to do everything I can to live a healthy and vibrant life with them. 

I hope you can use the ideas here to help you overcome your fears of regular health screenings. I want you to take charge of your physical and mental health. You are worth it!  Now go out and take care of yourself!