Know Why Your Partner is Too Scared to Seek Medical Help

If we’re completely honest, most of us don’t enjoy the prospect of going to the doctor or dentist, even if we know there’s nothing to worry about and it’s just a routine check, which will last a matter of minutes. The reality is that there are many different reasons why people are apprehensive or reluctant when it comes to seeking medical help. If you’re constantly nagging your partner that they need to see somebody or they are holding back and making excuses, here are some potential reasons why they may be too scared to ask for help:

Anxiety

Anxiety is a very common cause of reluctance to see a doctor and it can stem from many different factors, from negative experiences in the past and feeling embarrassed or ashamed, to worrying that there may be something seriously wrong or feeling anxious about the prospect of needing treatment.

Embarrassment

Some medical issues can be embarrassing and many people feel awkward and apprehensive about discussing these problems with their doctor. From skin rashes and unsightly warts, to erectile dysfunction and problems with wind or bowel changes, there are lots of different things that patients may find difficult to talk about. In this situation, you just have to be brave and remember that your doctor will probably have encountered many patients in exactly the same boat and rest assured that they are there to help you.

Fear of the outcome

One reason many people avoid going to the doctor is fear of what they may be told. This is a classic example of burying your head in the sand, but it’s very easy to just get on with life and try to forget that you have symptoms or problems and hope they just go away. The problem is that, while many minor illnesses do cure themselves, some symptoms are warning signs for serious illnesses and often the earlier treatment is provided, the better the outcome. It can be very difficult to pluck up the courage to seek help if you are worried that something serious may be wrong, but sometimes you have to put a brave face on and just do it. In the vast majority of cases, it won’t be as bad as you think and even if you do receive bad news, there is every chance that there will be a solution.

Phobias

Phobias related to medicine are fairly common and may include a fear of doctors of dentists, a fear of needles and injections, a phobia of pain and a fear of hospitals. Phobias are very intense fears and they can prevent people from getting the treatment and attention they need for prolonged periods of time. There are various methods, which may be used to help people overcome phobias, from facing your fear and counselling, to hypnotherapy.