Anxious
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Can you think of any methods to desensitize a fear of blood pressure check?

I’ve been avoiding doctors appointments because of this fear. The minute a cuff goes on me my anxious prone What if based mind goes into panic…what if it’s high? Even though I’ve had normal readings when my doctor doesn’t tell me she’s about to check it. It’s an exhausting fear, I’ve missed three appointments in last year to not face the high anxiety.
Even home cuff, it goes super high because of the belief if it’s high, I should have prevented it. Any ideas how to VIEW OR THINK about blood pressure differently.?
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DunningKruger · 61-69, M
This is called white-coat syndrome. You should likely discuss it with your doctor. If your BP is high, you need to know. Your doctor may have suggestions for how you can deal with it.

You might buy your own BP meter. They're not expensive. Check your own BP and practice mindfulness and meditation and whatnot to help you get your BP down on your own before you see your doctor and get your BP there. But whatever you do, see your doctor.
Baybreeze · 41-45, F
@DunningKruger Really the only suggestion she had was to just come in for rechecks every six months and to put me on a BP med since I do have other times in the week I get anxious and could cause BP to rise higher. I really didn't agree on going on it if my regular pressure day to day is normal. But I'll tell her I might agree to take it a few days a week.