I would like to say thanks in advance for your help! Ok this may be silly but I want your help because I don't know what to do! Since I've been a little girl I've had a fear of getting shots at the doctors office. I can't even watch other people get shots without getting chills. I recently got married & in a year or 2 my husband wants us to have kids he said. I love the idea of having kids but I am afraid to get blood samples or flu shots. I can look at clowns, eat bugs, jump off a build but I CAN'T DO NEEDLES!!! Now they say there is therapy that helps with fears but is there one that helps with needles? I have been so worried about for years while we where dating and now that I know he wants kids I've been crying lately thinking I can't have kids until I get over this fear. I am 30 and I feel so silly about it. Everyone says it's like an ant bite but it's the end of the world to me for some reason! I hyperventilate when I see needles & cry like a big ol' baby! Please help me! Thanks!
2007-12-21 02:34:33 · 9 answers · asked by lil_luv_baby 2 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
You do have a very common phobia, which can be successfully cured if you take the right steps. It is totally nothing to be embarassed about - grown men have fears of shots! A Psychologist can definitely help you to get over it! If you can't go to one for whatever reason, then you have to take control yourself. I used to have a physiological fear response from needles - my blood pressure would drop, I would feel faint, break out in a cold sweat, the whole 9 yards! I hated getting shots in my mouth at the dentist - having dentists walk in the room to try to calm me down, but I could not help it! So embarassing - until I finally did something about it. I decided to start giving blood! I know it sounds crazy, but Psychological theory says that one of the best ways to get rid of a phobia is to have experience with the fear object while being comfortable. I didn't think much of it, until I started. At first, all I felt was a painful pinch that lasted for 2 seconds. I did feel anxious, but since I wasn't in a hospital, it felt better. After a few more times, I spoke with the nurse who gave me the shot to feel more comfortable - and I am telling you - I didn't feel a thing! She was an excellent nurse. Sometimes the person giving the shot really knows how! I do feel some anxiety when I get needles, but it is no where as bad as it was. You may never be able to get over your fear, but I think you can decrease it to a point where it is just uncomfortable for you. Trust me, you can do this.
2007-12-21 03:09:51 · answer #1 · answered by realisminlife 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There are fear therapists. It really invfolves with dealing with the cause of the fear. Most people are in the same position. No one likes needles. Now, with the micro-fine needles there is almost no pain and no reason to have a fear of them.
You should tak to hubby about this and together you can work out a means of getting therapy for this phobia. You can overcome.
When you see needles and such, look away and think of a really nice experience, a happy moment. Tis will help.
Before yu need to have the tests or innoculations, get some help and things will go fine. Remember, these things cannot do damage, the pain is very slight and the process is very short. Nothing to fear. Look away, think of nice things and relax. Perhaps talk about something nice. It helps. Above all, get some professional help.
2007-12-21 02:56:02 · answer #2 · answered by organbuilder272 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Me too. I turn pale and can hardly breathe and they have to elevate my feet so I don't pass out. But you know what? I choose to come from love and not fear. Love is powerful. Fear is of no use to anyone and it keeps us from having remarkable accomplishments. I am 41 and I was in a wheelchair until I was 20. I overcame that and you can overcome this. As much as I fear needles, I love myself a million times more. I care about myself and others so much that whenever it's time, I go in there and say, "ok, have the oxygen ready and let's do this."
Whenever you are in fear, ask yourself "What would I do if I wasn't afraid?" The answer to that is always the solution. Go after it and never look back.
You say you can't do needles. Change that. In the words of Mel Gibson in Braveheart say, "I can and I will."
LOVE
PAUL
2007-12-23 22:59:20 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I hate needles too! I have the nurse take the blood from the area between my hand and my wrist (the big vessel by your wrist below the thumb where it indents inwards when you move your thumb around). The nurses usually rather not do that there as it's not the usual place but I insist since I know what works for me. It's not as invasive feeling as inner elbow/the arm for me since finding a vessel in my arm is like finding a needle in a haystack. I also look away when they do it and dont look at any part of that afterwards either.
2007-12-21 08:53:32 · answer #4 · answered by Lilikoi 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Would it help if I told you that doctors say they fear the needle too?
Nobody likes to get stuck voluntarily but we do it since it is a safety device healthwise.
I feel the same as you, so I turn my head the other way and sing to blot it out of my mind. Really, if I could get away from a needle, I take the other road. But, it is not that bad. Honestly! You have to relax (turn your head away and sing) so you won't know when it happens.
Some technicians are so expert at this that you never feel a thing. I wish you one of those. Try to relax, okay?!
2007-12-21 02:46:33 · answer #5 · answered by SANCHA 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My second daughter also has a fear of needles but she braved it out to have two beautiful boys I sure you will be doing the same.
Just look else where half the time you will say is it over yet !!
These days you hardly feel it at all if anything
2007-12-21 02:42:55 · answer #6 · answered by cally l 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, there is therapy for phobias - including needles. Call local councelors or psychiatrists to find on that specialized in such issues.
2007-12-21 02:46:28 · answer #7 · answered by teel2624 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When you have to go for an injection take your husband in with you. take hold of his hand and look into his eyes while the nurse takes the blood. If you focus on your husband, it will take your focus away from the needle.
2007-12-21 02:43:33 · answer #8 · answered by No! I'm NOT Elton John 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Phobias are one of the least complex mental health issues to deal with. Find a local specialist and conquer your fear. This is VERY do-able. Good luck!
2007-12-21 02:57:01 · answer #9 · answered by jurydoc 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋