And when you do schedule your appointment, be clear about what you’re hoping to accomplish. This minimizes the chance of unnecessary miscommunication.

“Ask yourself what you are trying to get done -- and make note of it. Be clear with the staff,” Holly says. “You don’t want to do a bunch of different things that have nothing to do with what you’re trying to accomplish. You want to do what you’re there to do.”

Once the time for your appointment comes, coping tools can help you stay calm. This will keep your anxiety at a manageable level so that you have a tolerable experience.

“The first thing is to take some deep breaths,” Holly says. “When you’re able to take deep breaths, you slow your heart rate down, and you’re able to release endorphins.”

A preplanned exercise focused on counting can help you in this process.

“The best thing that you can do for deep breathing is being able to count in for five and then count as you breathe out for 5,” Holly says. “Or count to 10 as you breathe in and breathe out. This exercise slows your breathing and makes you able to think more clearly about what you’re doing.”

Next, refocus your mind to a topic other than doctors and fear. This will prevent you from making up stories in your head that may not be true.

“What you want to be able to do is find good distractions. When your mind wanders to scary things, refocus your attention on something pleasing,” Holly says. “You don’t want to directly think about the thing that’s a cause for distress. The goal is to avoid ruminating.”