Trypanophobia - Fear of Medical Needles
Hi, this is my first post on here so here it goes.
I have an extreme irrational fear of medical needles. Vaccines, blood drawing, IVs, stitches, you name it. It's so bad that I'll often faint after I get shots or blood drawn just from the sheer fear of them. I can't even see videos of it. Knowing I have an appointment coming up where I'm going to get a vaccine or blood drawn causes extreme anxiety leading up to it and many sleepless nights. Getting my covid vaccine was awful. I've had to be held down by nurses, screamed, cried, and recently I can only get shots if I'm laying down and/or in my own home (thankfully my mom has a friend who's a nurse) in order to prevent me from passing out and losing consciousness.
I've been terrified of them for as long as I can remember and I have no idea how it started. Sometimes I think it might be hereditary (even though I know that makes no sense) since my dad is afraid of them too. I never watched him freak out with them and he didn't express his fear until I had already developed the phobia so it's not like it rubbed off on me. Maybe it's unrelated, but it's my best guess.
I also know I get extremely uncomfortable at the thought of foreign objects in my body (ex. Screws in a hip for a surgery) and the just the thought of something foreign going into my blood stream makes me feel physically ill. It almost makes me feel like a bunch of tiny parasites are being pushed through my veins when I get vaccines.
It's honestly embarrassing for me because I'm 19 and I have no control over my body when I'm getting shots. My mom understands how severe my phobia is, but she's getting tired of it.
If anyone knows of any coping mechanisms or ways to at least lessen my reaction to medical needles I would greatly appreciate it. I've already tried focusing on something else, looking away, and having someone with me to hold my hand or distract me.
Thank you!
@gillibean1123
Hi friend ❤ Thank you for sharing this, and welcome to our forum! We're here to support you.
What you're dealing with sounds so stressful, not just in the anxiety and panic you're experiencing in the moment, but the way that you've been thinking about it even outside of these immediate, difficult situations.
Here are a few things that might help 💜
Be upfront with the medical team. What you're experiencing is nothing to be ashamed of, not uncommon, and they might have tactics that could help. This is what they do for a living, and they're literally in the business of caring about people ❤
You might be familiar with exposure therapy, which means exposing yourself to this phobia or fear in a safe environment. Sometimes, viewing pictures of needles or even handling a needle (in a safe, monitored setting at a doctor's office or pharmacy) can help you overcome your fear. Once the needle becomes more familiar and less fearful, it may help you take your next shot in stride. Of course- only you know the difference in challenging yourself and in complete and total overwhelm. Trust yourself 💜
And un severe cases, people with needle phobias may want the help of a licensed professional counselor or therapist. Using methods such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), these mental health professionals can help you gain control over your fear. 7Cups does have a professional therapy option if that's something that you think would be helpful and is possible for you right now.
I hope this is helpful, and I hope your stress and pain ease soon. Sending warmth 💜🌿