Communicate Kindly to Alleviate Anxiety

Effective communication with healthcare providers is essential for anxious patients. Physicians and nurses often mean well but may not know how to address anxiety appropriately; telling someone to 'not worry' can be counterproductive. It's important for patients to minimize self-checking behaviors, such as avoiding constant body examinations by using tools like a washcloth or covering mirrors to prevent obsessive thoughts. Additionally, patients should communicate with their support systems about their needs, suggesting responses that redirect the focus away from worry. Finally, those who tend to worry about others may need to step back and not intervene in medical situations without proper qualifications, recognizing the limits of their influence.