Look up pictures of needles and injections online to desensitize yourself. To take this to the next level you might consider handling real (clean, unused) syringes for a few minutes every day. [2] X Research source This might be difficult to start with, but it could help you overcome your fear. The more exposure you have to needles the more ordinary they will seem.
List your fears and concerns (“Injections are painful!”), and then counter those fears with positive, rational ideas (“Injections keep me healthy!”). [7] X Research source If you have a child who’s scared of needles, be honest with him or her about the importance of the injection. And don’t tiptoe around the pain. Be honest about that too. [8] X Research source
Sit comfortably. Tense the muscles in your arms, legs, and upper body and maintain that tension for about 10 to 15 seconds, or until your face begins to feel flush. Relax your muscles. After 30 seconds, tense your muscles again. Repeat until you’ve done this five times.
If you would like to donate blood you might find it less scary if you tell the person drawing your blood that he or she has one chance to get it right. Doing this can help you feel more in control of the situation.
Concentrate on something else in the room. Try rearranging the letters of a sign to make as many new words as you can. [15] X Research source Play a game on your phone, listen to some soft music, or read a book or magazine
When you are lying down, place one hand on your stomach and concentrate on your breathing. [17] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Family Physicians Organization devoted to improving the health of patients, families, and communities Go to source
Having an injection in my arm - ranked 10/10. Holding a needle - ranked 9/10. Watching someone have an injection in real life - ranked 7/10. Watching a video of an injection online - ranked 5/10. Looking pictures of needles and injections - ranked 4/10. Thinking about an injection - ranked 3/10. [20] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Family Physicians Organization devoted to improving the health of patients, families, and communities Go to source
Stay in this stressful situation until your anxiety has started to noticeably drop. As you come out of this situation, looking away from the video of an injection, or putting down the needle, take time to breathe deeply and relax. Congratulate yourself on your progress and courage before moving up your hierarchy.
Overcoming your fear will take time, practice, commitment and courage. But, it will certainly make your life freer from anxiety and stress in the long-run.
Request either a thin needle or a butterfly needle. Butterfly needles, which can be more precise than standard needles, are often used on patients with needle phobia.
If you are taking anti-anxiety medication you will take it before the injection, and may not be able to drive after the injection. [23] X Research source When fainting is the primary concern, beta-blockers can be an effective option, and should enable you to drive afterward. But always talk to your doctor about your options. Practising applied tension is a way to combat low blood pressure and fainting without medication.
