Cómo lidiar con la ansiedad por las ETS: Guía para antes y después de las pruebas

Let’s be honest, there are two walls of fear for someone who is suspecting that he/she might have an STD. The first is the fear of walking into the clinic. The second is the fear of getting tested and opening the test results. Both are completely normal, and this is to tell you that you are not alone in feeling this way. Just like you, everyone who has seen signs or felt some symptoms has this feeling when going to the clinic.

The good news, however, is that there are practical ways on how to deal with STD anxiety, even before and after the tests. In this post, we will walk you through the entire process, providing you with a toolkit of mental and emotional strategies for every single step.

How to Cope with PRE-TEST Anxiety about STDs?

Are you scared to book an appointment to get tested? Are you afraid of what would happen if the results were positive? You shouldn’t be. The truth is, the more you know, the less room there is for fear and anxiety.

Here are some facts and plans that can help you deal better with STI anxiety:

3 Truths to Anchor Your Mind

• Truth 1: Most STIs are Treatable and Manageable. Thank goodness for modern medicines—they are remarkable. When you consult a medical expert, you will discover that many common STIs like Gonorrea y Clamidia are curable with a simple course of antibiotics. Others like Herpes y VIH are highly manageable with medication, allowing people to live long, healthy, and happy lives.
• Truth 2: Not Knowing is Worse Than Knowing. STD anxiety only thrives in uncertainty. Not taking any action and filling your mind with “what ifs” will only drain your energy. Avoiding testing due to the possible outcome only prolongs the uncertainty and worsen your anxiety. Thus, you need to get tested without dwelling too much on the outcome. Replace fear with facts and give yourself the power to act.
• Truth 3: You Are Part of a Huge Community. It might interest you to know that millions of people get tested for STIs every year. Sexually transmitted infections are more common than you may think. But what many people do is get tested on time and seek treatment. This is a normal, responsible part of modern healthcare (just like a regular check-up).

Pre-Test Action Plan

• Schedule the Test Now: The single most empowering action you can take is to make the appointment. Don’t give in to fear. Knowing whether you’re positive or not turns you from a passive worrier into an active problem-solver.
• Understand the Process: Before going to see the medical expert, put it in mind to ask questions (don’t be shy or embarrassed). Ask questions like: is it a blood, urine, or swab test? How long will the test results take? Knowing how the testing process is, removes the fear of the unknown.
• Assemble Your Support System: It’s advisable that you go with a calm, non-judgmental friend or family. Anxiety might want to creep in at some point; you may need extra help to kick it back. Simply send a concise yet elaborate message like this to your support system: “Hey, I’m doing a health check-up that’s making me anxious. Would you be able to come with me for moral support? We can grab coffee after.”

In the Waiting Room: A 2-Minute Anxiety Toolkit

• The “Box Breathing” Technique: Some of the STD anxiety symptoms are noticed in the waiting room (you begin to feel unsettled and may even start pacing around or tapping your feet on the floor). In this situation, you can perform this simple calming technique: Inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, exhale for 4 seconds, and hold for 4 seconds. Repeat the process until you’re calm. This technique is scientifically proven to calm the nervous system.
• Distraction on Demand: Another way to manage anxiety in the waiting room is to divert your attention to something you love. For example, you can listen to your favorite music, podcasts, watch funny YouTube videos, or play a game on your phone. Don’t just scroll aimlessly; have a specific distraction prepared beforehand.

How to Navigate POST-TEST Results & Emotions

Have you gotten tested and now have the results? Is it Negative or Positive? Don’t worry; we’ve got the next course of actions you need to take.

Scenario A: Your Result is Negative. Now What?

Congratulations! You can now breathe, especially after so much fear you had before getting tested. What you did is nothing short of being courageous. It’s okay to feel immense relief.

But sometimes, anxiety comes back to whisper, “what if they missed something?” This feeling is common, especially since the human body is fond of naturally thinking about the worse in situations like this. What you should rather do is remind yourself that you trusted a medical professional and a scientific test, and you believe the result is negative. Channel this lingering energy into positive future actions.

Now that you’ve tested negative, ensure you steer clear of any sexual activity that can trouble your health. Create a plan about STI prevention for safer sex and regular check-ups to maintain this peace of mind. Use protection like condoms before having sexual intercourse.

Scenario B: Your Result is Positive. A Gentle Guide for the Next Hour

Take a slow, deep breath. No need to panic. As mentioned earlier, STDs are treatable and manageable. They are not the end of life, so don’t for once assume that you’re done for. You need to realize that you are the same person you were a minute ago. In fact, now you are better because you have the knowledge of your health, and “Knowledge is Power.”

We understand that in situations like this, it’s hard to process information, particularly because you’re in shock. What you can do is document all the information you need. Listen to the medical expert’s advice and the next line of actions. There’s a high chance that you will forget what you’re told, so write it down. Write the name of the STI, the medications you will take, the timeframe for treatment, your next appointment, and other information.

At this stage, words of affirmation are very important. Say to yourself, “This is manageable. This is treatable. I am going to be okay.” Repeat it. You can even write these words on paper and paste them on the wall in your room to say them anytime fear creeps in. These words are true; believe them.

The next thing to do is plan your next steps (not your whole life). STD doesn’t mean your world has ended; there are medications that will make you better. What is the next thing to do? Start by using your medication as prescribed by the doctor. Tell a trusted friend or family member so that they can assist in boosting your morale. Just focus on getting better and being in the right mind-frame day by day.

At some point, you will have to notify your sexual partners (past and current), either by text or phone, so they can get tested too and get treatment (if positive). We have a non-judgmental, step-by-step guide on How to Anonymously Notify a Partner aquí.

Long-Term Wellness: Coping with STD Anxiety

Here are a few professional tips for coping with an STD diagnosis and anxiety:

• Practice Self-Compassion, Not Blame: Talk to yourself as you would talk to a dear friend in the same situation. Don’t beat yourself up nor play the “had I known” card. Speak words of encouragement to yourself and do fun stuff that will cheer you up.
• Destigmatize Your Own Thinking: Note that an STD is a health condition, not a moral failing. Even the person who you believe to be most morally right can contract an STD. So separate yourself from your health status.
• Seek Professional Mental Health Support: If you’re struggling with how to deal with STD anxiety and it’s affecting your life, you should talk to a therapist. They can give you more profound tools to manage these feelings long-term.

Conclusión

STD anxiety is a heavy burden, but it can be lifted. By breaking the process of how to deal with STD anxiety into small, manageable steps and by treating yourself with kindness, you can move from a place of fear to a place of empowerment.

Remember, you are responsible, you are courageous, and you are capable of handling this.