Ask the one who is sick if you may go along to the doctor. Take a pad and pencil with you as well as any medical questions any of you have for the doctor. By taking notes and recording the doctor's answers, the accuracy of what transpired can be better understood and the fear can be reduced. Additionally, the treatment may be more effective as well, because we comply with the proper instructions rather than the patient's or our own interpretation of them. Remember, fear is an aroused state and we often don't do well in situations when we are in an aroused state.
Fear often is reduced with education and life experience.
The third reaction, depression , is possibly the most common psychological reaction to being sick. Mild to moderate depression is not uncommon with acute or chronic illness. The level of depression is related to the severity of the illness. Depression, however, can be treated successfully if presented to your physician. If, in the opinion of the family, the depression seems deep and lingers, contact your loved one's physician.