LibraryScenariosWhen surgical anxiety becomes panic about death
Scenario

When surgical anxiety becomes panic about death

I keep canceling my pre-op appointments because every time I think about the surgery I feel like I'm going to die.

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More people experience this than they realize.

What we've seen

Anticipatory fear can escalate beyond rational proportion, creating suffering that exceeds the actual threat.

Ideas that help explain it
Worth thinking about

“Where Are You with Surgery — preparation and recovery?”

If this sounds familiar, the Library can help you find the bigger picture.