Handling Hospital Visits

Being in the hospital can be scary and frustrating. Not only are you in a strange place, but you may also be facing medical tests and procedures that can be painful and frightening.

One way to deal with hospitalization is to remember that hospitals can be very supportive places where you'll be taken care of by trained people who want to help you get better.

Face your fears. Another good way to cope with your fears is to face them. Following are seven of the most common fears about being in a hospital and how you can cope.

Fear #1: Being surrounded by strangers
Fear #2: Being away from friends, family, and pets
Fear #3: Loss of control
Fear #4: Being bored and "missing out"
Fear #5: Falling behind in school
Fear #6: Pain
Fear #7: Going home