I (21f) have always been scared of the dentist but after the last few years of depressive episodes where I didn’t brush my teeth regularly, binging sugary snacks and purging, and now being on my own dental insurance, I am absolutely terrified. I know I have to go but I’m just so scared. The last time I went a year ago was the first time I had gone in 2 years due to being in another state for school and the dental hygienist was taking a bit longer to set up and I nearly had a panic attack just sitting and waiting. I have this stuffed animal that I’ve had forever and I really think if I brought it, it would help ease my nerves but I worry about being judged because I’m 21 and need a stuffed animal to get through a basic appointment.