Ever since you were a child, you probably had certain health habits drilled into you by your elders. Always brush your teeth before bed. Shower regularly to avoid catching ill. Get your teeth cleaned professionally twice per year. However, not everyone follows these healthy habits perfectly. In fact, some are downright afraid of some of the things that will keep them healthy.
If this sounds like you, know that you’re not alone. There are many healthcare phobias out there. Also know that you don’t have to live with those fears forever. There are many ways to overcome these challenges and more.
Fear of Going to the Dentist
Perhaps the most common health fear today is going to the dentist. Approximately 15 percent of the American population has a fear of going to the dentist, and 36 percent of those who don’t see the dentist regularly avoid their appointments out of fear. If this is a phobia of yours, you can see that you’re not alone.
“Fear of going to the dentist is a very real problem, and it’s no laughing matter,” says Dr. Jacob Taylor of Bridge Creek Dental. “This fear can be debilitating, and it prevents a large percentage of the population from seeking much-needed treatment. It’s something the best dental professionals take seriously, so they seek to make their offices as comfortable as possible.”
Patients with a fear of receiving professional dental treatment are encouraged to visit a dental service that uses sedation dentistry and that fully recognizes the fears of their patients instead of belittling them. Each of these steps will make the visits so much more pleasant.
Fear of Going to the Gym
There are many things to fear about going to the gym: germs from the workout equipment, failure to perform a certain exercise, and most of all, social shame. That last one is particularly prominent in those who are overweight or particularly out of shape. They know it’s important to go to the gym to lose weight and become healthy, but it’s not always easy to exercise in front of people with “perfect” bodies and techniques.
To stand up to that fear, there are a few things you can do. Start with simple meditation to recognize your strengths and affirm your courage. Next, surround yourself with those who can offer positive feedback to help you feel good about yourself instead of shameful. Ask these friends to attend the gym with you. Finally, remind yourself of what’s at stake if you don’t attend the gym regularly. This can be a difficult transition for you, but it will be an incredible accomplishment when you face this fear with courage.
Fear of Food and Eating
Food phobias go beyond allergies and picky tastes. There are many different kinds, but the most common is food aversion in which a person’s revulsion towards certain foods causes severe anxiety. In most cases, this aversion stems from a poor body image and trepidation at the thought of gaining weight. It causes patients to develop very serious eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia.
“Food aversion is a good, life protecting response for any animal,” say Professor I.M. Marks on AnxietyCare.org. “Many animals, and also human children, are wary of foods which taste bitter or are unfamiliar, and it is not surprising that adult people can have the same ability.
If the problem has grown from simply being a ‘fad’ to a level that reduces the quality of life, a desensitization program can break the phobia down.” Those who have this kind of phobia will need to seek professional help in order to assuage their fears and regain their health.
Health phobias are very real and can be very dangerous. If you suffer from any of these fears or those similar to it, do whatever it takes to face your fears and come off conqueror. Your health depends on it.
Kevin Jones is a freelance writer, researcher and fitness instructor/consultant. He had helped hundreds of people find ways to become more fit and healthy through a balanced life focusing on an individualized approach to their nutrition and fitness. In addition, Kevin has written extensively in the fitness and health industries, including writing for companies such as a ICON Fitness brand NordicTrack. Connect with Kevin online; LinkedIn – Twitter
