Going to the doctor’s office, whether it is your medical doctor, dentist, or therapist, can create feelings of anxiety and stress. Most people do not like to go to appointments; I know I try to avoid them at all costs. Once you do get to the appointment, being honest with your doctor can be hard when you know telling them what they want to hear will get you out of the door quicker. Being honest can also feel awkward, depending on the topic.
However, I have learned how valuable it can be to be upfront with your doctors even when it is hard to. So, unless you are one of those rare people who loves going to the doctors (like my friend who looks forward to dentist appointments) then I understand the struggle. By showing the importance of being truthful and what it has done for me, I hope I can encourage you to do the same if you have not already done so.
I have severe health anxiety and the anticipation of an upcoming appointment on my schedule can ruin my whole week. Even though I know that taking care of my well-being is necessary, I try to avoid appointments to keep my nerves at bay. However, this is not realistic so instead of avoiding appointments, I would show up and avoid the truth. I have been in and out of doctors and counseling offices since I was 13 and up until this year, I lied about most things. I feared that I would be judged or given harsh consequences.
I recently realized something that seemed obvious but was hard for me to accept; lying was only hurting me and holding me back from receiving the care that I needed. I would lie about simple things like how often I flossed and deeper things like my current mental state. I thought I was protecting myself but that was not the case. Once I started being honest, I did face tough truths and things I did not want to hear but that was a part of the process.
The second I spoke my truth, I immediately felt lighter. A weight was taken off me, and I finally felt understood. All my guilt for being dishonest dissipated, and I left the doctor’s office feeling that I was making progress.
Beyond holding you back, lying can also be dangerous in these situations. I know some people struggle with being open with their doctors about their sexual activity, substance use, or their lifestyle in general. This is completely understandable; no one wants to be thought of in any negative light or face judgment. Know that these are professionals, and they want to help you, not judge you.
If you are not a professional, you do not know all the implications of not being truthful, and you may miss out on care or end up in an even worse position. Honesty is crucial to ensure we are protected in every way possible, especially as women. In today’s climate, women often must advocate for themselves, and being truthful is the first step to getting the care we deserve.