Fear – Why do we have it and when is it too much?
A feeling that feels like a wall. Once it’s there, you can’t overcome it and certainly can’t understand it. Completely irrational and uncontrollable. It affects our thinking all the way to physical functions. The heartbeat and breathing increase, adrenaline is released, muscles tense, the mouth becomes dry, the hands sweaty. Standing and sitting calmly is not possible, the gaze is tunneled and acoustic perception is reduced. The body is in fight and flight mode and attuned to danger. Once this happens, it is sometimes difficult to get out of the situation. To ignore it makes little sense, because our body is stronger.
The first thing that can help is to accept it and perceive it for what it is: a protective mechanism. The question is, what triggers it and when does it occur?
Why is a visit to the dentist so stressful?
– You may have already had a bad experience in the past.
– The pain memory remembers an unpleasant experience.
– Fear of developing pain that you can’t control.
– The feeling of being at the mercy.
– The shame of knowing that your dental health is poor and that many treatments are necessary.
– Lack of confidence because you don’t have a dental office you trust.
– Experiences such as sexual abuse and mistreatment can make this visit especially difficult.
Don’t have a practice you’re comfortable with and fail to find and put it off again until later?
– Ask friends and acquaintances if they can recommend a practice.
– Make an appointment for a consultation.
– A video consultation can be a first step in getting to know each other and clarifying questions.
Planning the appointment, what to consider?
– Find a day when you don’t have additional stressful situations or are pressed for time.
– Allow enough time to move at a pace that is comfortable for you.
– Try to distract yourself on the way with positive impressions and thoughts: listen to music or a podcast.
– Work on your mindset: you are doing this for yourself and your health. Your actions determine your future.
What can you do if you panic?
– Breathe in through your nose for a count of 4 and hold for another 4 seconds. Breathe out through the mouth while counting to 4. This so-called box breathing technique helps your body communicate through breathing that everything is okay.
During the treatment you can use the following technique in extreme situations: Focus on three sensory perceptions.
What do I feel under my body? I notice the heaviness and feel the chair I am lying on. I can feel the texture of the chair with my hands.
2. what do i hear? I hear the music. What song is it? Repeat silently in your head what you hear: the music, the voices, a phone ringing.
3. what do i see? I see the lamp. What does the lamp look like? Do you see anything else?
What else can help?
– Bring yourself headphones, earbuds and listen to your favorite podcast or music
– Calm yourself with your hands: a bracelet or something you hold in your hand and you can keep running your fingers down/pressing it
– Mental support: bring a companion to the first two appointments and feel more confident that way.
If these tips are not enough and you already feel so paralyzed by your anxiety, then it is important to perceive professional support. Cognitive behavioral therapy by a psychologist can successfully treat and reduce anxiety disorders.
It is important to know that we are by your side at all times and have both the professional and social-emotional skills to support you in the best possible way. We have already taken away the fear from many people and think it is no reason to feel bad. It is also a sense of achievement for us and we are interested in your health and your personal path.