How can I get rid of fainting when they take a few drops of my blood for analysis?

Question

Today I did it. At work. And scared [i.e. worried] most of my colleagues. I came out of the room where they took a few drops of my blood for medical analysis (I am new at work and such papers are needed), I didn't know this was going to happen today, I was called for a psychiatric evaluation test and for taking my blood pressure, I came out of the respective room, everything was ok, and a few steps later when I got into the teachers' room, when I was closing the door behind me, it happened. I managed to sit on a chair and then they realised I was not feeling well and gave me some water to drink, then I felt better and thought I could take the test, I sat down and a few seconds later I felt sick again and rested with my head on the table, my colleagues panicked and called the doctors, then I was able to walk to their room after a few more sips of water. I was given something to smell, sat down, they took my blood pressure and it was lower. I was allowed to drink some Coke.

This happened psychologically, due to fear, they told me...

My question is, how can I get rid of this fear?

Answer 1

I also have a dire fear of giving blood for tests or needles in general. This is what I do. Firstly I warn the doctor, nurse of my phobia and ask them not to talk to me while thay are doing what they have to do as I need to focus fully. Then I imagine a place far away from my present situation. Sometimes it is the ocean or a field of flowers or any other outdoor site. I breath very deeply and slowly and concentrate on just one aspect of my far away place. For example I look at one drop of water in the ocean. In my mind's eye I watch it move around and swell up with millions of other drops to become a wave crashing on the shore. I watch it being dragged back out to sea again with the ebb and flow of the waves. And I do this over and over until the whole blood thing is over. Then I carefully make my way to the waiting room or somewhere to sit for a bit until I feel able to walk. Basically I am saying breathe slowly and focus fully on something else for as long as you can.

Answer 2

Take deep breaths and don't look. It has helped me to have a cold wet paper towel handy because I also break out in a cold sweat. Be sure have something to eat beforehand. It is nerves.