I’ve always found fear fascinating. Not the jump-scare kind, but the sneaky, subtle ways it worms its way into our behaviors.

Like when you’re dreading a doctor’s visit, and suddenly, you’re cleaning out your junk drawer instead of calling to schedule that appointment.

I’ve seen it time and time again—fear of the doctor shows up in ways most people don’t even recognize.

It’s not just avoiding the needle or a dreaded diagnosis; it’s the little habits, the mental gymnastics, and sometimes, the outright denial.

If this sounds like you—or someone you know—don’t worry. You’re not alone, and there’s nothing wrong with feeling a little uneasy about those cold stethoscopes and fluorescent lights.

Let’s unpack 10 common behaviors that might just mean your fear of the doctor runs a little deeper than you think.

1) Procrastination is the name of the game

We’ve all put off tasks that we find daunting, and for those who fear the doctor, this behavior is no different.

Procrastination is often the first sign that someone is nervous about their upcoming visit. According to psychologists, people procrastinate when they have a fear of a negative or unknown outcome.

They might delay making an appointment, find excuses to reschedule, or simply ‘forget’ about it altogether.

It’s a classic avoidance tactic, one that’s deeply rooted in fear. The longer they can put off that visit, the longer they can avoid confronting their fear.

But as we all know, procrastination only leads to more stress down the line.

2) Overthinking every little symptom

I’ve seen this one play out time and time again, not only in my patients but also in myself.

I remember this one time when I had a minor toothache.

Instead of booking an appointment with the dentist, I found myself googling symptoms and possible complications.

Every twinge or slight discomfort sent me into a frenzy of worry.

Would I need a root canal? Or worse, could it be an impacted wisdom tooth? The fear of what the doctor might say made me overthink every little detail.

This is a common behavior among those with a fear of doctors. They magnify every symptom, turning minor issues into potential health catastrophes.

In some cases , it even turns into cyberchondria – an excessive and/or repeated online health search that is associated with increased distress or health anxiety and persists despite interference with functioning and negative consequences.

It’s okay to run a little search sometimes, but don’t let it turn into obsession.

3) Avoiding medical talk

Ever noticed how some people instantly change the subject when anything health-related comes up in conversation? That’s not a random quirk.

People who are scared of doctors often avoid medical discussions like the plague.

They’ll steer clear of TV shows, books, and even casual chats that center around health issues.

This behavior stems from a psychological phenomenon known as “avoidance coping”.

It’s a defense mechanism that helps people manage anxiety by staying away from the source of their stress. It’s why some people can’t even stomach the sight of a stethoscope or a white lab coat.

4) Increased anxiety as the appointment nears

For those with a fear of doctors, the days leading up to a medical appointment can be incredibly stressful.

You might notice them becoming more irritable or distracted. Some may have trouble sleeping, while others might lose their appetite. These are all signs of increased anxiety and stress.

It’s like watching a time bomb ticking down. The closer the appointment gets, the higher their stress levels rise.

This heightened state of anxiety can make even the most routine check-up feel like a monumental event.

5) Excessive reassurance seeking

People who fear the doctor often seek excessive reassurance from friends, family, or even the internet.

They’re constantly looking for affirmation that they’re okay and that there’s no need for a doctor’s visit.

“Do you think this looks normal?” “Have you ever experienced something like this?”

These are the type of questions they frequently ask, hoping to hear that their condition isn’t serious.

While it’s okay to seek advice, constant reassurance seeking can be a sign of deeper anxiety related to medical visits. 

6) Emotional outbursts

Fear has a funny way of sneaking up on us, often manifesting as sudden emotional outbursts.

A person who is terrified of going to the doctor might become unusually agitated, upset, or even angry as their appointment approaches.

These emotional reactions can be confusing to those around them, often seeming out of proportion or unrelated to the situation at hand.

But beneath the surface, these intense emotions are a desperate cry for comfort and understanding.

7) Physical symptoms start to show

I recall a time when I had to go for a routine medical check-up. As the appointment approached, I noticed that I started to feel physically unwell.

My stomach churned, my hands were sweaty, and my heart rate seemed to escalate for no apparent reason.

This is something that happens to individuals who dread going to the doctor.

The fear and anxiety become so intense that they start exhibiting physical symptoms – rapid heartbeat, trembling, sweating, or even feeling sick.

It’s as if their body is mirroring their mental state, creating a vicious cycle of fear and discomfort. 

8) Frequent self-checks

You’d think someone scared of the doctor would avoid anything health-related, right? But oddly enough, that’s not always the case.

Some people who dread medical visits often engage in frequent self-checks.

They’ll constantly monitor their pulse, take their temperature, or inspect their body for any signs of illness.

It’s a paradoxical behavior, driven by the fear of finding something wrong yet compelled by the need to know they’re okay.

This constant vigilance can add to their anxiety, making their fear of the doctor even more pronounced.

9) Creating worst-case scenarios

There’s a saying that fear is often worse than the reality, and for those scared of doctors, this couldn’t be truer.

They tend to create worst-case scenarios in their minds about what could happen during their visit.

A simple check-up becomes a potential diagnosis of a serious condition.

This catastrophic thinking amplifies their fear, making the idea of a doctor’s visit far worse than it actually is.

10) Avoidance of routine check-ups

The most noticeable sign of a fear of doctors is often the avoidance of routine check-ups.

Even when they’re in perfect health, these individuals will skip regular screenings, vaccinations, or preventive care.

This behavior can have serious consequences.

Preventive care is crucial in detecting potential health issues early on, and by avoiding it, they risk letting silent conditions go undetected.

Doctors recommend coming in for a regular check up once every 3 years for healthy individuals under 50 years old, and once every year once you turn 50. It’s a small commitment that could make all the difference in your long term health.

Final thoughts: It’s more than just a fear

Fear is funny, isn’t it? It hides in plain sight, shaping our choices without us even realizing it.

A missed appointment here, an anxious overthought there—it all adds up.

But here’s the thing about fear: it’s not permanent. Once you start naming it, understanding it, and—dare I say—befriending it, it loses its grip.

Fear of the doctor might seem irrational on the surface, but it’s often rooted in very real emotions: vulnerability, uncertainty, and the weight of “what if.”

The good news? You don’t have to tackle it all at once.

Start small. Maybe it’s scheduling that overdue check-up or talking to someone about how you feel.

Every little step forward is proof that you’re stronger than you give yourself credit for.

And if you’re supporting someone else through this? Patience and empathy go a long way.

Because the truth is, fear doesn’t just need to be conquered—it needs to be understood.

So, whether you’re the one avoiding the doctor or helping someone else face their fears, keep in mind: you don’t have to suddenly become fearless.

You just need to show up anyway.