I've been experiencing a painful sore throat for a long time, but I'm hesitant to go to the hospital. My aunt says, 'You shouldn't wait this long, you need to see a doctor right away,' but I don't feel safe. I wonder why I'm so scared? Is there something special going on for me?
What's there to blow up this much?
What exactly are you afraid of? The doctor or the results?
I guess I tend to be more anxious in different environments, as I always feel a bit uneasy in hospitals.
@biseydiycem reluctance varies from person to person, I don't think it has anything to do with exaggeration.
The hospital environment can make some people feel insecure; you can start by talking to your family doctor instead of going to an ENT specialist.
If you're feeling uncomfortable in the environment, are you considering getting checked at a private hospital? It's usually less crowded, maybe you'll feel more at ease that way. Still, I wouldn't neglect it, it needs to be addressed before it becomes chronic.
If the hospital environment bothers you, try to make an appointment early in the morning. Typically, it is quieter at that time. At least you can start off this way to take the first step.
If you're feeling apprehensive about the environment, going with someone can be helpful. If your aunt wants to take you, accept her offer; she'll support you. If your sore throat lasts for a long time, it definitely needs to be checked somewhere.
To make the hospital environment less exhausting, you can research and clarify things like which clinic to visit beforehand and who the doctor is. Uncertainty can sometimes increase anxiety. Going with your aunt can also provide support in this regard.
Instead of going to the hospital, you might consider going to a laboratory first and just getting tested. It's a more isolated environment, and some things can become clearer without a doctor's appointment. Maybe you can suggest this to your aunt?
Is it clear what subject you need to pursue a doctorate in? If there is uncertainty, it may be increasing your hesitation. Try proposing to your aunt that you go with a specific appointment request.
Maybe the reason for your hesitation isn't the environment, but rather a fear of the outcome? Like the thought of "what if something bad comes out of it." Ask yourself, is it really the hospital environment that's stressing you out or is it the idea of getting a diagnosis? Depending on that, you can chart a path forward.
Maybe going with your aunt makes you feel a sense of responsibility towards her, and that's stressing you out? So, is the thought of feeling uncomfortable in front of someone else scary? Would you be more open to the idea of going alone?
Perhaps your shyness stems from a bad experience related to going to the doctor. Are you distant because of something you've experienced before? If so, it might be important to consider this, as realizing the root cause can make finding a solution easier.
Perhaps your shyness comes from the notion that you need to share something special when you go to the doctor. Have you ever felt uncomfortable in a situation like that before? Because sometimes, an unconscious concern about privacy can create this feeling.
