S
Stewart
Member
- Joined
- Jan 6, 2025
- Messages
- 28
- Location
- Birmingham
Hello Everyone
Im looking for honest opinions on whether im being unreasonable when I say im not going to the dentist. Period.
With phobia and anxiety, its a hell on earth experience I dont want, ever.
This is my reasoning why:
1) I hate going. In the lead up to any appointment, im an absolute mess. I always have been, I always will be. Nothing has changed it. Psychology. Swapping dentists. Going regularly. Nothing. I dont want to be a mess. I want to enjoy life and I think having to go to the dentist is probably the single most physical and mentally pain inducing and all round miserable parts of my life. I dont want to be miserable life is too short.
2) Going doesnt make me any happier. I dont care when I leave what theyve done to me. Its just an anxiety cycle waiting for the next thing thats wrong. I dont leave empowered after having anything done. I dont feel any less phobic. I dont feel "proud" or any of that.
3) I dont care about the end result. Slightly crooked or discoloured teeth havent stopped me getting a masters degree, getting a job i like, having lots of friends, or getting married with children. In fact the opposite is true, when i talk about my phobias with work colleagues and friends, several of them will openly say I dont even notice your teeth. or why be worried, no one cares either.
4) It hurts. I dont want needles and power tools shoved in my mouth. Needles do hurt. They sting, theyve made me cry, theyve made me shout in agony when nerves have been hit. I also dont want to hear the whirring of a drill, ever. I also dont want to listen to people pretending it doesnt hurt. Yeah it does. Ive been to maybe 6 dentists, and yes, it hurts.
5) I feel fine. I dont go to a doctor when i feel fine, so why am i expected to go to a dentist when i feel fine? Id rather go (if ever)when i dont feel fine. otherwise its just a reason to feel miserable for weeks thinking about going and then at best ill walk out and have to go back in six months.
So on this basis im totally cool with not going to the dentist.
Is this an unreasonable viewpoint to take?
Please be honest, I can handle constructive criticism.
Im looking for honest opinions on whether im being unreasonable when I say im not going to the dentist. Period.
With phobia and anxiety, its a hell on earth experience I dont want, ever.
This is my reasoning why:
1) I hate going. In the lead up to any appointment, im an absolute mess. I always have been, I always will be. Nothing has changed it. Psychology. Swapping dentists. Going regularly. Nothing. I dont want to be a mess. I want to enjoy life and I think having to go to the dentist is probably the single most physical and mentally pain inducing and all round miserable parts of my life. I dont want to be miserable life is too short.
2) Going doesnt make me any happier. I dont care when I leave what theyve done to me. Its just an anxiety cycle waiting for the next thing thats wrong. I dont leave empowered after having anything done. I dont feel any less phobic. I dont feel "proud" or any of that.
3) I dont care about the end result. Slightly crooked or discoloured teeth havent stopped me getting a masters degree, getting a job i like, having lots of friends, or getting married with children. In fact the opposite is true, when i talk about my phobias with work colleagues and friends, several of them will openly say I dont even notice your teeth. or why be worried, no one cares either.
4) It hurts. I dont want needles and power tools shoved in my mouth. Needles do hurt. They sting, theyve made me cry, theyve made me shout in agony when nerves have been hit. I also dont want to hear the whirring of a drill, ever. I also dont want to listen to people pretending it doesnt hurt. Yeah it does. Ive been to maybe 6 dentists, and yes, it hurts.
5) I feel fine. I dont go to a doctor when i feel fine, so why am i expected to go to a dentist when i feel fine? Id rather go (if ever)when i dont feel fine. otherwise its just a reason to feel miserable for weeks thinking about going and then at best ill walk out and have to go back in six months.
So on this basis im totally cool with not going to the dentist.
Is this an unreasonable viewpoint to take?
Please be honest, I can handle constructive criticism.