How to Help Someone Get Over Fear of the Doctor

A fear of the doctor can come from many different places. These types of fear can originate during a person's childhood and the memories that caused the fear could now be lost. Dealing with a difficult illness or watching a family member or friend deal with an illness can also cause a fear of the doctor. If you know someone who is debilitated by this fear or who refuses medical checkups as a result of their fear, there are some things that you can do to help the person get over whatever it is that causes them to avoid doctors.

Instructions

• 1

  Offer a sympathetic ear to the person you're helping. Often confiding in someone and being able to talk through the fear of doctors alone can be a big help.

• 2

  Talk to the person about what might have caused the fear. If the fear is irrational, then logic can help the person overcome it. For example, a fear of doctors that came from overcoming illness is not logical because the doctors were a crucial part of the healing process.

• 3

  Do some research to help the person find a doctor who works with patients who have such fears. If the person knows that the doctor is aware of the fear and will be gentle and cautious, they may be more likely to go.

• 4

  Attend a support group for people with a similar fear with the person you're helping. A support group can be daunting to attend alone but with a supportive friend, it can be a much more positive experience.

• 5

  Encourage your friend to be introduced to the object of the fear slowly. For example, you might start by looking at pictures of doctors and hospitals that will evoke a fear response. The person should then focus on calming down and reducing stress. Meeting with a doctor in person, but not for a checkup, can be the next step. Continue progressing until the person can receive the medical care they need.