Coping with Medical Tests

In this article I will talk about how to cope with medical tests and how I help my clients prepare. Most of us would agree that medical tests are not our favourite thing. There are however, simple ways you can prepare yourself to feel calmer. A lot of people would agree that they feel some level or worry or anxiety before medical appointments. This is completely understandable. You might be worried about having a procedure, or the actual results of the test. Some people are more sensitive to pain or discomfort. It can feel like there are a lot of unknowns. However, there are some things you can take charge of to help yourself. First of all, get curious!

When you are asked to have a medical test or examination, you can try the following things to help you prepare.

Preparing for Medical Tests

My advice would be to find out as much as you can in advance. You might might think:

Ignorance is bliss

But for others

Knowledge is power

It’s important for you to work out what would help you best cope with medical tests. My advice would be gather as much information as you can. This puts you in a position of power, in my opinion. I would suggest:

• Find out the name of the procedure or test
• Why you are being asked to have it
• When and where you need to go
• How the test will be done
• When you will receive the results
• What the treatment is likely to be

I would also suggest that you

• Explain your fear or sensitivity to the medical professional beforehand if possible
• Alternatively explain how you feel when you arrive
• Ask a friend to accompany you to the appointment
• Use breathing exercises to help you feel calm
• Make sure to have ample rest beforehand
• Bring a book or magazine to keep your mind occupied while you are waiting

How to Cope with Blood Tests

It is estimated that one in ten people has a fear of needles. This is sometimes called trypanphobia and it can create intense fear and avoidance of having blood tests, injections or vaccines. These common medical tests can support your health, so it is advisable to seek help. Hypnotherapy is a great idea, because it allows you to understand where the fear came from, and more importantly release that fear. There are different reasons why people have such a strong fear, including bad experiences. My job is to help you to get past that. In hypnosis we work with the unconscious mind so the treatment is very gentle and supportive. I use suggestions and hypnotic language which helps you to relax. During the sessions and in the recordings I create for my clients, I gently nudge you to a place of calm. Hypnotic suggestions are embedded in our conversations, and helps you to let go and release fear.

Hypnotherapy for Coping with Medical Procedures

One client said:

I have had amazing results working with Zeenat. I can’t thank her enough for helping with an escalating anxiety issue around diagnostic tests. I had a couple of difficult experiences and I needed to fix this swiftly as I have to have regular medical tests. Zeenat was understanding and calm from my first frantic phone call. She was so reassuring about how we could work together on solutions. She quickly got to the heart of the matter and my responses to it. Over several sessions we worked on techniques I could draw on, which I also practised at home.
I’m ecstatic to have recently completed two lengthy tests 100% successfully! I will keep practising these skills for future appointments. This is a real achievement! I’m so happy that I have decided to continue my journey with Zeenat for a bit longer to work on other things. I’m so grateful. Thank you Zeenat.

DD

Here are some further resources that can help you: Tips to cope with medical test anxiety

How to cope with medical test anxiety

If you are looking for one to one support, you can book a consultation with me, here.Book a Consultation