How to Overcome White Coat Syndrome
I’m an anxiety therapist in Charlotte, NC and I’m normally quite calm. But when it comes to doctor’s appointments, I get anxious which causes my blood pressure to rise. This has happened to me so many times, that I just go ahead and let the nurse know before they take my BP. This phenomenon is known as White Coat Syndrome and it’s actually quite common.
A lot of people put off going to medical appointments, including the dentist, due to fear and anxiety. But we have to go to the doctor and stay on top of our physical health in the same way that we stay on top of our mental health.
In this blog you will learn practical strategies to help you overcome White Coat Syndrome.
Here are 5 tips for overcoming White Coat Syndrome:
Ask for a consultation
If you have an upcoming procedure, an operation, or anything other than a typical meet and greet at the doctor's office, ask for a consultation beforehand. It may be called a consultation or may be known by a different term, but basically, it's an opportunity for you to sit with your provider and have a conversation. This could be a separate appointment. Or it could be at the beginning of your visit before the actual procedure happens.
What do you talk about during this time, during this conversation?
First of all, explain your concerns. Share what you're feeling. Understand that your feelings are real and valid. And it's okay to feel what you feel. Share what you’re feeling with your provider and simply let them know that you’re nervous and afraid. Share your concerns with your provider.
2. Ask questions
Secondly, ask questions. Before your appointment, take time to think of questions and write them down. When you get to your appointment, ask all of your questions. If there is something that is still unclear, ask follow-up questions. Don’t feel that you have to rush.
If you are preparing for a procedure, ask your provider to walk you through what’s going to happen. You can say, “Can you please walk me through the procedure? This will help me to ease my fear about it.”
Oftentimes, the fear that we have is due to uncertainty, the unknown, or feeling like we're not in control of the situation. So ask your provider if they could walk you through the procedure and explain what is going to happen.
3. Request an early appointment
Request that your appointment be early in the day. This is so you can go ahead and get it over with. For me, I want to wake up, drive to the appointment, do the appointment, and then go on with the rest of my day. Versus if the appointment is later in the afternoon, then you have the whole day to stress and worry about it and ruminate on it. And that is definitely not helpful. Requesting appointments that are early in the day has been very helpful for me.
4. Eliminate caffeine
Caffeine and anxiety do not mix. Caffeine can worsen anxiety. If you can’t completely eliminate caffeine before your appointment, only consume a minimal amount.
5. Talk with a therapist
If you’ve tried everything and you are still experiencing fear and anxiety about going to the doctor, try talking with a mental health therapist. As an anxiety therapist in Charlotte, NC, I can help you identify and resolve the root cause of your fear. I've helped clients go from anxious and afraid to calm and empowered about their medical care. Visit my website to learn how to work with me.
If you’d like more tips for managing anxiety in your daily life, download my Anxiety Relief Checklist. It’s completely free to download. I put together a list of 10 practical strategies that will help you reduce anxiety starting today.
