Taking Control of Your Health Anxiety

Every woman is encouraged to begin receiving regular mammograms after the age of 40 to detect breast cancers earlier, which leads to more successful treatment. Fear involved with receiving a mammogram is normal, as with any health screening. Some women fear the radiation will bring on the cancer. Or adversely, that the mammogram machine will be painful. No matter the case, the potential of learning of a cancer diagnosis is anxiety that is to be expected with any visit to the hospital.

However, it’s important to understand that health anxiety and its counterparts are natural. Sometimes our own anxiety can keep us from bettering our health, which does no good, either. Osceola Regional Health Center has some recommendations for planning and receiving your important mammogram when fear is getting the best of you.

Educate yourself. The best way to combat fear is to obtain and store factual information. Understanding what your mammogram appointment will include can be tremendously helpful. Research your facility and their 3D mammography program, and look up your provider if you have not seen them before. Ask your provider questions, and explain your concerns to get informed answers. This will give you the opportunity to get ahead of negative thoughts before they have a chance to induce anxiety.

Express thoughts to friends and family members. Remember that your anxiety is normal, and many of your loved ones may have the right advice to get you in the right mindset to take control of your health. Perhaps a friend or family member has received a mammogram and you’d like to learn about their experience, or you simply need someone to talk with and understand your health anxiety. Whatever the case, you have a great resource in the people you know and love. Plus, it’s a great reminder that you have friends and family that love you and will be there for you when you need them regardless of the concern.

Treat yourself following your mammogram visit. When you schedule your mammogram and follow through with the appointment, there is opportunity waiting on the other side: time. Your results are bound to come quickly with fast 3D mammography technology, so fill the rest of your day with a fun activity or treat yourself to a coffee or food item. Osceola Regional Health Center offers pink travel mugs and vouchers to a local coffee shop for mammography patients. Use these rewards soon after your appointment to give yourself the positive reinforcement you need.

Mammograms are not an experience most women look forward to, but they are life saving and crucial to your health as a woman. Don’t allow your anxious thoughts to keep you from important medical appointments like your mammogram. Instead, use them as a control force against your health anxiety. Taking care of our physical health means we are less likely to compromise our mental health, and both are so important.

To schedule your 3D mammogram at Osceola Regional Health Center, visit a referring physician or call 712-754-5304.