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How to NOT be scared of docs/hospitals

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Posted 1/10/2017 3:40 PM (GMT 0)
Wondering if you all have tips to share. I am so sensitive to medical environments, esp those that are brand new to me. Usually I do some exposure therapy but that may not be possible in the future (I'm pregnant and frustrated that everyone's like how the heck are you going to have a kid then? I don't know!!)

What tips work for you to try to stay calm? How do you change your perception that the hospital or doctors you don't know are scary? Would love to hear thoughts. I am trying to shift my mindset.
Posted 1/10/2017 4:49 PM (GMT 0)
HIT,

Like I mentioned in your previous post...I really think you will have an easier time with your prenatal appointments/procedures, like I did...despite my doctor/medical aversion. Going in with the purpose if ensuring your child's healthy development can over ride the anxiety!

We have some material for dealing with phobias...as well as general anxiety management in our Resources that should help, so be sure to check all of it out. ..

...and using positive visualization and mantras are key whenever I am facing a challenge.

Setting up a safe person to accompany you to you appointments is also key...

...as well as planning a reward for yourself afterwards always helps.;)

You can do this!

S.C.
Posted 1/10/2017 6:19 PM (GMT 0)
Like SC said, that positive visualization is what's going to help you the most.

I recently read a book that devised an anti-anxiety took called the 5-4-3-2-1 exercise that's proven to reduce stress hormones from releasing and causing those yucky panic feelings.

You start by focusing on one object intently, then name 5 things (in your head or out loud) that you see peripherally. Then, still staring at the one object, you say five things you hear. Then, still staring, you say five things you feel--but physically feel-- "I feel the doctors chair underneath my leg, I feel my scarf around my neck, etc. You do each round 5 times, then 4, then 3, then 2, then 1 and it inhibits the anxiety from taking effect.
Posted 1/10/2017 6:38 PM (GMT 0)
I'm just not sure about a long stay. Right now I can get through appts because I know I'm leaving soon. I'm going to try some exposure therapy at the hospital but it's frustrating now because my therapist says I need to be gentle on myself because I am extremely triggered. I am, totally.

I like your idea Blu. I'm really starting to learn that I was not livin in the present before. I wasn't anxious too much either, I was just existing in a comfort zone.

Now, therapist has me doing one day at a time. Which is smart. It's hard to be too panicky if you don't let yourself think too far ahead. While my mind does at times, I think I'm doing well at bringing it back down. I kinda feel like I may like my life more this way, though it feels strange. You know your mind is so used to running that to stop it, it's saying, "but i'm trying to protect you by anticipating what we can do." thing is, it's not, is it?
Posted 1/10/2017 7:46 PM (GMT 0)
Just Breathe Baby Girl. First time Mother Aniexties? Breathing exercises help as well as Meditation on the positive life force you are creating. Rub the tummy and talk calmly to your baby and know that what you feel (physically as well as mentally now) your baby feels as well.
Take the time to read to your baby, yes, it can learn in vitro.
The ointment is to keep yourself Positively Charged so your reactions become positive too.
Think of all your doctors have gone through in their paths to help you and your baby in yours and be grateful instead of fearful.
Write down any questions you may have to approach your doctor with on your next visit and be sure to tell your doctor of all the Positive Changes you have made in your mental and physical life, so you head off in the right direction.
Sublimital Tapes help while sleeping so you can wake up feeling Positively Charged each morning.
I was once like you in this regard and I found that if I had a negative thought and replaced it with the polar opposite thought I could turn every negative into a positive and that's how we all take back control.
(Hugs you and your new one)
All the love in the universe is here for the taking, just decide to take it and leave the negative worrisome bothersome crap behind you and you will do great!
Blessings!
Cherish
Posted 1/11/2017 12:50 PM (GMT 0)
I'm reading the book 'The Worry Cure'

One thing that I applied to a recent medical test that I was very worried about is to put things in 3 categories.

1: the test could show something bad
2: the test could show no change, no worries
3: the test could show that things have cleared up completely.

So, out of 3 scenarios, 2 are positive which gives me a 2/3 chance of good things coming out of my worry.

It shows me that my chances of good news is far better than bad news.
Posted 1/11/2017 3:30 PM (GMT 0)
Nice Tela!!

I often say something similar, along the lines of...'Statistically, there is a better chance of something positive or neutral happening than of something to be worried about.'

...but the method you learned really puts it in black and white with the percentages/numbers there....love it! smile

Great share, and keep up the fantastic work!

S.C.
Posted 1/12/2017 4:08 PM (GMT 0)
I'll tell ya what. I happen to love hospitals because I feel so safe with all those smart life saving people around! However, you aren't going to have time for anxiety during your labor and delivery experience! You'll be so wrapped up in your new baby that worrying will be the last thing on your mind. BUT, should you get anxious, nurses are there to help AND there's something strange about babies. They calm us down.

I had a c-section with my 2nd and I was in some pain and became anxious and was crying and the nurse came in and saw that I was panicking and oddly she asked another nurse to please hand me my baby. I thought she was nuts since I was shaking a little and breathing badly, but what do ya know? I got him in my arms and my tears of fear turned to tears of love and then my breathing slowed down and suddenly everything was fine and I was just cuddling my baby.

You'll rock it.
Posted 1/12/2017 7:56 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks, guys. My situation is that we didn't want kids, but I know this is what God wants. So I'm sure more of that bonding will happen.

I guess that's my worry, that I'll freak out! I'll be floors up unable to escape, and escaping is what I do. So far, I'm doing better than I was. I know there's so much GOOD happening. I'ts just the old thoughts. The fear of panicking and not being able to run. That's it. Being trapped. My core issue.

I'm hoping to feel better sooon so I can start exposure therapy with my therapist. I know if I can make the place "safe" before going, knowing what to expect, maybe making friends with some nurses, that I will feel better about going in there.

I'm considering a doula. I have a midwife, but I think she'll be so busy otherwise...

Thanks for all the support--means the WORLD to me because I know you guys get itsmile
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