Many people get anxious when they need to go to a hospital for treatment. Although this is a normal reaction, it is important to know that nervousness and anxiety doesn’t always have to accompany a visit to the hospital. Keep reading to learn about a few simple strategies for reducing hospital anxiety in people of all ages, and making the experience more tolerable.
Practice Relaxation Techniques
Relaxation techniques like progressive relaxation (tensing, then relaxing each group of muscles in turn), deep breathing and visualizing being somewhere pleasant and peaceful can reduce anxiety before and during hospital visits and medical procedures. These techniques are easy to learn and even children can practice them.
Use iPads, Music or Games
According to ScienceLife, a study found that using an iPad, listening to music, coloring, playing games or even just blowing bubbles reduces anxiety in children undergoing medical procedures in an emergency room setting. While the study didn’t include children outside an emergency room setting or adults, the article suggests these techniques or similar ones would probably be effective for other ages, as well.
Bring a Friend
Having a friend or family member present during procedures at the hospital often reduces anxiety in patients, according to the Nursing Times website. Patients can request to have a family member or friend remain with them and hospital personnel can make changes to hospital policy when needed in order to accommodate those requests and relieve anxiety.
Talk about the Anxiety
Talking about the source of the anxiety also helps with nervousness. Sometimes, our fears and anxiety related to the hospital visit are based on the unknown. If you are anxious about a procedure or treatment, asking the doctor or nurse about it will likely calm your fears. You might be worrying unnecessarily, and getting more information about what is going to happen can help you feel more at ease. Discuss your concerns with the doctor, and get all the facts before you start to worry about your hospital visit.
Don’t Be Shy
Aside from asking questions, it can also be helpful to form a bond or relationship with the nurses or doctors who will be caring for you. We tend to feel more at ease when we are around people that we are comfortable with, so if you let your doctors or nurses know about your anxiety, they will likely make efforts to help you feel more at ease. Don’t be shy about asking questions, or even asking for items that will comfort you. Of course, you don’t want to be demanding, but most hospital staff will be happy to get something for you if it will help you to feel more comfortable. Speak up about anything that is bothering you, and you won’t have to suffer through anxiety and discomfort while at the hospital.
Keep Parents Calm
An article published by the American Society of Nurse Anesthetists explains how children display less anxiety in hospital settings when their parents stay calm. Many of the tips for reducing hospital anxiety in patients will also help reduce anxiety in parents, like talking about the anxiety and staying informed about what is going to happen. If you are trying to keep a child calm about their hospital visit, it is important that you stay calm yourself. This is also true if you are accompanying a friend or family member on their visit.
As you can see, while hospital anxiety is common, you don’t have to succumb to it. By getting more information on the procedure or treatment, getting to know your doctor, openly talking about your anxiety, and finding distractions, you can let your worries wash away and be more at ease in the hospital. The information for this article was provided by the professionals of 911 Industrial Response Inc., who specialize in ambulance services in Calgary.
*Our content is not intended to provide medical advice or diagnosis of individual problems or circumstances, nor should it be implied that we are a substitute for professional medical advice. Users / readers are always advised to consult their Healthcare Professional prior to starting any new remedy, therapy or treatment. Your Wellness Group accepts no liability in the event you, a user of n-gage and a reader of this article, suffers a loss as a result of reliance upon or inappropriate application of the information.
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