Anxiety & Fear
A patient says, “I’m nervous about taking this medication.”
“The therapeutic response is: Can you tell me what concerns you about it?”
A patient says quietly, “Nothing really matters anymore.”
“The therapeutic response is: What’s been weighing on you lately?”
A patient says, “I hear voices telling me I’m bad.”
“The therapeutic response is: I don’t hear the voices, but I can see this is upsetting for you.”
A patient yells, “No one listens to me!”
“The therapeutic response is: I want to understand—tell me what’s frustrating you.”
A patient says, “You’re my favorite nurse—don’t tell anyone what I said.”
“The therapeutic response is: I care about you, but I may need to share information to keep you safe.”
A patient says, “I don’t like how this medication made me feel before.”
“The therapeutic response is: Tell me more about what you experienced last time.”
A patient says, “I feel like a burden to everyone.”
“The therapeutic response is: That sounds very painful—tell me more about that feeling.”
A patient says, “The TV is sending me messages.”
“The therapeutic response is: That must feel frightening—can you tell me more about it?”
A patient shouts, “Leave me alone!”
“The therapeutic response is: I’ll give you some space, but I’ll check back with you shortly.”
A patient asks, “Can I have your phone number?”
“The therapeutic response is: I’m here to support you during my shift, but I can’t share personal contact information.”
A patient says, “What if something bad happens after I take it?”
“The therapeutic response is: It sounds like you’re worried—let’s talk about that.”
A patient says, “I don’t see the point in trying.”
“The therapeutic response is: What’s making things feel so overwhelming right now?”
A patient says, “Everyone here is plotting against me.”
“The therapeutic response is: That must feel frightening—can you tell me more about it?”
A patient clenches fists and says, “I’m done with this place!”
“The therapeutic response is: I can see you’re upset—let’s talk about what’s going on.”
A patient says, “Promise you won’t tell the doctor.”
“The therapeutic response is: I can’t promise that, but I can explain what needs to be shared and why.”