For many people, fear of medical settings isn’t just about nerves - it’s about survival. White coats. Sterile rooms. The smell of antiseptic. The sight of a needle. The anticipation of pain. For some, even scheduling an appointment can trigger anxiety, panic, or avoidance. And often, these fears don’t come out of nowhere. They’re rooted in past experiences: a difficult childhood illness caring for a loved one through medical trauma a painful or frightening procedure feeling p

For some students, this back-to-school season stirs up anxiety — particularly around academic performance and test-taking.