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The English language may hold a more disagreeable combination of words than 'The doctor will see you now.' I am willing to concede something to the phrase 'Have you anything to say before the current is turned on?' That may be worse for the moment, but it doesn't last so long. For continued, unmitigating depression, I know nothing to equal 'The doctor will see you now.' But I'm not narrow-minded about it. I'm willing to consider other possibilities.

Robert Benchley#2

FearStress

About this quote

What does it mean?
The author compares two dreaded phrases, finding that visiting a doctor causes longer depression.
In plain terms
Hearing 'The doctor will see you now' is worse than a last words warning.
What can you take from it?
Medical anxiety feels worse than legal threats.

Where it applies

  • waiting rooms
  • office settings
  • personal reflections

Putting it to work

  • discussing medical stress
  • lightening fears

Questions to consider

  • What phrases make you anxious?
  • Why is health news scary?

Another view

Not everyone finds medical visits as terrifying.

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