Trypanophobia/ Fear of needles
I have a major fear of needles, I have no idea when this phobia started. But all I know is being afraid of them ever since I could remember. Many issues come from this, as I used to get sick a lot needing to go to the hospital quite often, to get vaccinated or my blood being drawn, which I really need to do for allergies. And so far I have somehow avoided them all. Now the COVID vaccine is something I cannot avoid. My family (extended) have tried to comfort me in many ways, however I don’t think they understand that I know how irrational my thoughts are, and that I’m not afraid of what’s in the vaccine, just of the needle. How do I explain to them that I don’t even understand why I panic, or cry??? They told me how much I doesn’t hurt, and that it’s quick and only two doses, I really understand I really really do, but I can’t think about it the way they do. I have no idea why I freak out or why I get dizzy hearing people talk about it. Or why my heart starts beating and get really upset about this… they keep telling me that I’m being overly dramatic and that I fuel my brain into believing that I’m scared of needles, or that I freak my own self out, but I can’t just tell my brain to not be dramatic, they don’t think I’ve tried that? I can’t explain to them that it feels out of my control, if they keep telling me that I’m making this up. I couldn’t stay in the room so I walked out, I’m always quite lenient with them, but I walked out today. I hate when I talk about it, and they say I talk about it all the time, about how I feel dizzy or start crying, or feel nauseous about it. Honestly it just hurts, because I know my family would rather ridicule than understand. I feel embarrassed and made fun of, because how am I supposed to control something that I feel so afraid of?
@generousStrings9509
I get that completely. I have also been plagued with this issue for my entire life and it feels like fear consumes everything else when a needle is present or even thought about. I recently had to have an IV injected into my arm for a wisdom teeth surgery, and it was extremely frightening. I almost threw up because the sheer thought of the needle entering into my arm seemd too horrifying to endure. Anyways, I have a point to this. What eventually helped me through it (and not go running out of the room though I desperately wanted to) was to completely immerse myself into something that could distract me, and for me it was music. I listened to it before the appointment and ignored everything else, and sang along when it was time for the IV needle. Maybe watching a video would help as well-? Also, squeezing the life out of someone's hand helps a little. I don't know if these suggestions would work for you, but they helped me a lot. Please know that you are not alone!!
Thank you so much. I’ll try to update what helps me when the time comes. I think I’ll try watching something or listening to music. It doesn’t help that I zone out a lot, but I’m sure I’ll find something.
i relate to this so much. i wish i could give you advice but i have the same questions. i hope it gets better for you <3
@generousStrings9509
I feel the exact same way about needles,I'm not professional but this is what helps me if I know I'm going to get a shot and/or IV.
Before hand I listen to calming music that I love,I take deep breaths and hold it for 10-15 seconds then release slowly.When getting the shot/IV/Blood draw it's better to ask the doctor/nurse to tell you when it's over that way you don't have to look at the needle.
If your parents are with you hold a conversation with them and if your feeling brave ask them to come close so you can stare into their eyes and have something to distract you from the needles.
I am still relatively young and have had this fear for as long as I can remember, so my parents (when I was younger) thought that I was being dramatic and wasn't really scared.Now that I have tried to walk out of the doctors,had to be physically restrained,and have had a panic attack my parents are starting to realize that I am being more than dramatic.
The best thing to do with parents that would ridicule is to find an adult that you trust and tell them how you feel and have them explain to your guardians.Adults are likely to listen to other adults fully and not just take it as 'childish' if coming from their kid.
I have the same problems as you do so it would help me also if this actually works for you so I can take it to full extreme.
Hope you have a good day/night!