How can i conquer my fear of needles?

Question

I have to take intramuscular injections with a 22 g needle every week. I've been doing this for about six months and will be continuing to do so for quite some time. When I first started it was easy but then after a few painful experiences it's been getting harder and harder to do. I imagine this big needle going into my leg and it just sucks. What do I do?

Answer 1

I had the same thing going for me, still do, but I was a phlebotomist and learned by having people stick me several times a day!

I used a behavioral technique, where I relaxed at each step- needed repeating over and over again. Started at 10:

Thinking about a needle

Seeing a needle

Touching a needle

Opening a needle tip

Opening a needle tip with alcohol swab on me (the smell REALLY got to me)

Punture by a needle

Being jabbed in the eye with the hypo (never got here, of course)

Each step, I took deep breaths, relaxed as much as I could. It took days for each step, and reinforcement was needed.

Really, best of luck!

Answer 2

In the old days yhey did just to hurt- theses days you can actually tie a knot in the needles !! they are so fine. I had a tetanus jab last year and I didnt even know they had done it ! So firstly theres little pain - may 'sting' slightly Any of your family and friends been in accidents or hospital ? Give blood and think of them whilst your doing it and be proud of yourself ! So it just boils down to psychology ? If you have injection- look away and count to 20-30 its been proven that if your mind is on somthing else theres less pain and anxiety. I guess your quite young ??? as you get older and wiser-an injection is a minor part of your problems-and you wont even bother about it- I dont and I used to hate them too. So try to put things into perpsective, you havent got cancer or a terminal illness, your not getting divorced - your childen are not ill it is just a 2 second injection, thats all. Hope this helps

Answer 3

i dint think that this is something that you can over come sorry about that. my husband is the same way but he faints at the sight of needles even when its someone else getting the shots and hes 32 the Dr told him as a child that he would out grow this but he never did. first of all if there is someone else that can give them to you it might be a little better. when my husband has to get shots for whatever reason here is what he does take a deep breath and close your eyes and think of your favorite place or even have someone that is very close to you to talk to while this is taking place just to take your mind off it. when its all over go treat yourself to an ice cream or something.!! however my husband still faints hopefully this doesnt happen to you.

Answer 4

Before you get your injection, explain that you will be wearing headphones and listening to music, then close your eyes and get into some good music. When my grandson was scared of needles we put a blindfold on him and headphones and had him lay down . It helped a lot. Also, I have heard that your doctor can prescribe a patch for you to put on that will numb the area where the needle will go in. I think you put it on about 30 min. before your procedure.

Answer 5

I used to give myself shots in the thigh for allergies when I was 18. I noticed the spot I stuck myself started getting hard under the skin. The shots started hurting. If you haven't already, try using the needle in a softer area. A place where you do not normally stick yourself.

The pain from my shots went away and it was easy to give myself shots again.

Answer 6

Try to have someone do it for you, that way you can look away and focus on something else.

Answer 7

ask your doctor for other options, maybe you can take medication orally. good luck

Answer 8

well you can poke yourself!

Answer 9

nope... srry.