How can I get over my fear?

Question

I have a fear of shots. Medical shots. I have to get a physical soon and I know that shots are involved but I freak out if I see someone even holding a needle. I need to find a way to get over this fear, but I don't know how! Could someone help me?

But I also think I know why I'm such a phobic about this. When I was abotu 4, my mom and I lived in a trailer with a wooden deck leading up to the door. Well, I was shuffling over to the door when a six inch STICK goes through my heel. We had to go to the hospital and I had seven shots, screaming bloody murder. That's probably also why I have a slight fear of wooden decks.

Answer 1

Wow, can I identify with your fear and I am older than you by many years.

One time when I went to have blood taken for a lab test I told the nurse (or anyone that will listen !!) that I am terrified of needles. Her answer was "if you liked being stuck with needles there would be something wrong with you" and I have never forgotten her statement.

I generally close my eyes tightly, dependent upon the 'day' decide which are is 'gonna get it' then ask the nurse or phlebotomist whom ever is taking your blood if they would use a topical medication on the 'site' before they inject the needle. Further I ask them to tell me on the count of three, when they are going to stick me. At exactly the same time they insert the needle I take a deep breath and it seems to lessen the pain/icky feelings. You may also request that the blood letter use the smallest needle possible, maybe even a butterfly needle. Just make sure to let them know each time you have a shot or your blood taken to TELL THEM YOU ARE TERRIFIED. Professionals will understand. Plus, during the course of taking blood I engage the nurse in a conversation about anything to attempt to keep my mind off what is happening.

I sure hope at least one of these tips helps you. I have learned them all from experience and hating needles as much as you do, I am sure. Good question and Good Luck.

Answer 2

I used to have a major fear of needles. In fact, it took 6 people to hold me down when I was 6 to give me a shot. Now I can get a shot without too much trouble. I started donating blood to get over my fear. I make sure that I do NOT watch the needle as it goes in. Yes, it hurts. But it goes away very quickly.

BTW: not all physical examinations mean shots.

Answer 3

turn your head, close your eyes, and have them talk about their lives, or something that you are doing.
I hate shots too...rather needles in general, but since I have had two kids, had to have blood drawn lots of times, they stuck me with iv's too many times to count, well you kind of figure out that you aren't going to die, it's going to hurt for a minute but in the end you will be fine, everyone does it, and it will be okay.
The best thing you can do after your shots is to put pressure on it for the first few minutes, after that you don't want to ''baby'' your arm treat it as usual and you wont have any stiffness.
In the end if you need to have someone go with you and litterally hold your had so you can squeeze something then do it!

Good Luck!

Answer 4

my baby just got his shots, he had no clue what was going to happen , he freaked out, but right after the shot he stopped crying the pain went away really quick....as for my self when i have to get blood work done , i always feel scared at first. i used to close my eyes but now i like to watch because it's not as bad as i thought it was. i think a bees sting hurts a lot more. it really does not hurt ,it happens too quick and b4 Lucknow it it's over with.just don't worry,just think to Ur self ,that if someone else can do it then that means you can,my son is only 4 and he did it.oh yeah the way to feel less pain is by relaxing.

Answer 5

First, remember to tell yourself that it only is a fast, short little prick. Second, don't look at the needle at any point, focus on something away from your arm and talk to distract yourself. This fear probably goes back to when you were a child, tell yourself you are no longer a child and there is nothing to fear. Adults can and do handle the little needle prick in the arm everyday and so can you.
Think of a nice (healthy) reward you can give yourself afterwards. YOU CAN DO THIS! : )

Answer 6

The unreasonable fear that you have is called a phobia. Phobias make your life, as you know embarrassingly difficult. I am not a big fan of getting shots, but just think of something else, it still stings though. Some people freak out over spiders, riding in elevators, flying in planes. There are lots of websites that help, check out this one:
http://www.pe2000.com/phobias-deal.htm Please know, you are not alone, there is nothing wrong with you. Incidentally when you get your physical, tell them of your phobia. They might help you out by walking you through it, just showing you the room, or taking extra care to relax you. Believe me, you will not have been the first person that is jumpy over getting shots, and they can help you through it.

Answer 7

Concentrate on something else, like a conversation with the person giving you a shot, things you have to do later that day, or the words to your favourite song. Also, don't look at the needle.

Answer 8

my brother HATES needles. Once when we were at the hospital with him (he needed a shot) he was on the OTHER SIDE OF THE BUILDING and you could hear him scream! it was really funny to tell the truth, because he laughed about it too, but anyway, just grap onto something, and look at the ceiling. Some music would help too.

Answer 9

Your big fear should be dying of some crazy disease. The only way to find some diseases unfortunately consists of poking needles into the body. (blood tests, TB tests, etc.) Also the only way to prevent some is also by poking needles into the body (vaccinations). Just as they are getting ready to stick you, think about why u are getting stuck. It's all to prevent getting sick or dying.
Good luck.

Answer 10

you are scared of shots becuase you know that there ganna put a needle threw you skin. I myself is scared of shots but my lil brother is 4 years old and doesnt know what a shot is and doesnt even go to school yet ,he got 6 shots at once and didnt even cry move or make faces. You see what im saying just cause you know its a shot your scared like me but my brother didnt know what it was so he didnt cry just remeber its only 3 to 5 seconds of pinch dont be scared