Don’t brush off the fear of needles thinking that only children are afflicted with it. Even grownups tend to quiver at the sight of needles. The fear of needles is a common phobia that occurs in varying degrees. It is believed that the fear of needles is evolutionary. When Mr. Neanderthal saw his friend or girlfriend die mysteriously, he set out to investigate. What he found was that several days before, the deceased (god rest their souls) was poked by a sharp stone or branch. Now Neanderthals had brains the size of peanuts but it was enough for him to conclude that sharp, pointy objects can cause death. Thus, he developed a sense of fear for all pointy objects. And we now carry it in our genes. Needle phobia can also arise from a traumatic experience, like experiencing sharp pain when injected for the first time. The pain will make you dread the needle afterwards. If untreated the fear of needles can have harmful repercussions. In some cases the victims are ready to face the disease or infections rather than experience the jab of a needle. In extreme cases the victim even faints at the sight of a needle or at the thought of seeing one. So, if you are one of those people who can face the sword but not a needle, then read the article below to get to know how you can overcome your fear of needles.
Tips To Get Over Needle Phobia
Tips To Get Over Needle Phobia
- While taking a needle shot take care not to look at it. Turn your face away or face a wall. Try to think of something else so that you do not make a spontaneous reaction.
- Distract yourself as much as you can. You can bring your friends along for support. Talk to them on sundry topics that will keep your mind off the needle. Think of coming up activities or events and all your plans.
- Don’t take undue stress over the pain you will experience. Don’t think of the needle before getting the shot as you will build up the anxiety that later will make you cringe at the sight of the needle. It is important that you don’t make a big deal about it. Just take the shot and be done over with it.
- Tell the nurse or doctor who is administrating you the injection, that you are afraid of needles. Tell them that whatever happens not to delay. You can also ask one of the nurses to hold your arm tightly, while the other one injects the shots. This will prevent you from moving your arm and causing harm to yourself.
- Don’t dwell on the pain. Condition your mind that the jab of a needle is just a bite. One good way of doing this is to watch young children getting the shot. Most of them will be calm and the brave face they show can even shame you. Ask yourself that if a kid can, then why can’t you.
- Try your best to relax. Calm the mind and steady your heart. Remember that all will be well when the body and mind is relaxed. It is good to do some breathing exercises.
- In case you feel nausea, dizziness or signs of fainting on seeing a needle then it is better to consult a doctor.