Fear of Hospitals: Will They Admit Me for Being Underweight?
I am a 17-year-old female, standing at 5'3" and weighing around 82 pounds. I have not visited a doctor or a hospital in nearly four years, largely due to an intense fear of being admitted or staying overnight in a medical facility. The thought of it feels incredibly invasive and overwhelming to me. In addition to neglecting my regular check-ups and vaccinations, I've been somewhat avoiding any health-related issues to steer clear of a doctor's visit. However, today I confided in my mother about my desire to see a healthcare professional as soon as possible because I've been feeling persistently unwell. My symptoms include constant shakiness in my extremities, frequent headaches, alternating bouts of diarrhea and constipation, persistent nausea with meals, fainting spells, leg pain, debilitating brain fog, chest discomfort, and difficulty breathing after standing for short periods (and there are likely other symptoms I'm forgetting). I've been experiencing these issues for around two years, but they have significantly worsened over the past three months; I struggle to make it from my room to the kitchen without feeling the need to rest immediately. My eating habits are poor; I can only handle a few bites of food at a time before feeling uncomfortably full, and my daily intake consists of just one can of soda. I try to limit my drinking to ensure I have enough room for food, which often means I manage only one or two small "meals" throughout the day. I recognize that I must go to the doctor, yet I still have an overwhelming fear of needing to stay in a hospital for any reason. My last visit to a healthcare provider was for a routine examination, where the only finding was a concerningly slow heart rate alongside my underweight status. The doctor recommended blood tests, but I declined out of fear that there might be an underlying issue that could lead to an overnight stay. Since I lack experience with medical professionals and facilities, I'm uncertain about what to expect during this next appointment. I've heard that sometimes, hospitals will keep patients who are underweight for observation—is this true? Is it a typical practice? What level of abnormality in blood test results would justify their decision to admit someone? Apologies if my message is unclear; my anxiety about hospitals is overwhelming, and I seek to understand whether being underweight could lead them to hospitalize me.
Answers (1)
8/7/2025, 7:40:47 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel anxious about visiting a healthcare provider, especially given your concerns about being underweight and the fear of hospitalization. Let's address your worries with clarity and a plan.
Key Points:
- Your symptoms and weight are concerning and warrant medical attention.
- Hospital admission for being underweight is not automatic; it typically depends on your overall health and specific test results.
- Preparing yourself for the visit can help reduce anxiety and improve your experience.
Understanding Your Situation:
Being underweight and experiencing various physical symptoms like shakiness, headaches, and persistent nausea can indicate underlying health concerns. Your body may be lacking essential nutrients, which could affect multiple systems and contribute to the symptoms you're experiencing.
Fear of hospitalization is common, but healthcare professionals are there to help you, not to cause distress. Usually, hospitals only admit patients in serious situations needing immediate care.
Prioritized Next Steps:
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Schedule Your Appointment: Make a doctor’s appointment as soon as possible. You can bring a trusted person for support, which may help alleviate some stress.
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Prepare for the Visit: Write down your symptoms, any changes in your health, and questions you may have. This list can help you communicate clearly with the healthcare provider. It’s also helpful to note any concerns about anxiety and fear of hospitals.
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Discuss Your Fears Openly: When you visit the doctor, let them know about your fears of hospitalization. This will help them approach your care in a way that minimizes stress, and they can explain what to expect during tests or treatments.
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Understand Testing and Monitoring:
- Blood tests are helpful in assessing your nutritional status and ruling out any serious underlying conditions. They’re usually quick and straightforward.
- Not all abnormal results lead to admission; it often depends on how significant the issues are. For example, results indicating severe malnutrition might prompt closer observation, but this is evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
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Focus on Self-Care: Try to eat small, balanced meals and stay hydrated. Even though it may feel overwhelming, incorporating more nutritious foods can help. Consider starting with smoothies, broth, or soft foods if solid meals feel too challenging.
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Seek Support: It may help to speak with someone professionally trained in anxiety management, such as a therapist or counselor, especially regarding your hospital anxiety. There are also support groups for people dealing with similar issues.
Final Thought:
Your health is important, and taking this step is a positive move. Focus on the journey one step at a time. Each visit will provide clarity and hopefully alleviate much of your fear. You're not alone in this, and with support, you can navigate your health concerns effectively.
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