Healthcare Anxiety and Avoidance in LGBTQ+ Patients

[Shree]

Past negative or awkward medical encounters can create healthcare avoidance, which worsens both physical and mental health. Many patients feel tense before appointments or skip them altogether. What changes in clinics help rebuild trust? How can individuals manage the anxiety that shows up before seeking care?

 

[Ravenfreak]

Medical professionals should take a look at a patient's chart to see if they have a preferred name, especially if the patient hasn't legally change their name yet. I unfortunately was called by the wrong name yesterday when I went to the dentist and the receptionist had to correct the dental tech. She even misgendered me too, so a space for preferred pronouns should be on medical forms as well so this problem doesn't persist.