Injection phobia

Injections are very common in normal times. Although injections are generally not painful, even if they are painful, they are within the range that people can bear. In life, many people hate injections very much. However, even if they hate injections, they cannot escape them. The more common ones are vaccinations or blood draws. Some people suffer from injection phobia. How to overcome this injection phobia?

How to overcome fear of injections?

Preparation before injection

Face your fears. The more you know about what you're afraid of, the more you can treat needles and injections as normal, which will effectively help you overcome your fear. Look up information about injections, such as their history, purpose, and dangers.

Search online for images of needles and injections to desensitize yourself. Once you're comfortable with these images, you might want to take it a step further and consider spending a few minutes each day playing with a real (clean, unused) syringe.

All things are difficult at the beginning, but this practice can help you overcome your fear. The more you see needles, the less you take them seriously.

Think about the source of your fear. Some people are afraid of injections because it reminds them of another traumatic event. Those who are afraid of needles often had many blood tests or treatments as children that required injections. Look back on your childhood and talk to your parents. Understanding the root cause of your fear can help you face it.

Tell yourself the necessity of the injection. Instead of constantly being afraid of injections, focus on the benefits of getting them. Keep reminding yourself that you are protecting yourself from dangers far more serious than a little injection. If you are going to donate blood, try to overcome your fear by thinking about the people you will be helping.

Make a list of your fears and worries (e.g., "Injections hurt!"), then come up with positive, logical counterarguments for each fear (e.g., "Injections make me healthy!").

If your child is afraid of needles, you should be honest with him or her about how important it is to get the shot. Don't hide from the pain, you have to be honest about it.

Tighten your muscles and then relax them. One of the most effective ways to overcome fear and avoid fainting due to a sudden drop in blood pressure is to tense and then relax your muscles. If you start to feel dizzy or have fainted from needles in the past, this method can help regulate your blood pressure and help you avoid fainting again. You need to master this method before getting the injection. If you start to feel scared, it can help calm you down before the shot. Please follow the steps below to use this method:

Sit comfortably.

Tighten the muscles in your arms, legs, and upper body, and hold the tension for about 10 to 15 seconds, or until your face feels red and warm.

Relax your muscles.

After 30 seconds, tighten your muscles again.

Repeat this process until you have completed five times.

Coping with injections

Ask a friend or family member to stay with you. Ask someone you trust to go with you to get the injection. Having someone you know around can help you stay calmer. Ask them to hold your hand tightly while you get the injection.

Talk about your fears. Tell your doctor or nurse that you are scared. Talking about your fears can help others understand how to care for you. He or she may walk you through the injection process step by step and offer tips to help you relax and think rationally.

If you want to donate blood, you should tell the person drawing your blood that it must be done in one go so that you won't be so scared.

Doing this can help you feel more in control of the injection.

Divert attention. Many people focus on the injection, but you should distract yourself from it, for example, not thinking about the injection itself, which can help ease your fear. Find someone to talk to in the exam room, maybe the doctor, a nurse, or a family member or friend who is traveling with you. Studies have found that when doctors talk to trauma patients about topics unrelated to the trauma, they can significantly reduce the patients' anxiety levels.

Focus on something else in the room. Why not try rearranging the letters on the sign to form as many new words as possible.

Play games on your phone, listen to some light music, or read books or magazines.

Keep your body posture correct. You may find that lying down or raising your legs during the injection helps reduce fear and some of your symptoms. Lying with your head flat and your feet slightly elevated can reduce the possibility of fainting. Continue to lie flat for a while after the injection, and do not jump up and run out. Take your time and listen to what the doctor or nurse has to tell you.

Lie down, place one hand on your stomach, and focus on your breathing.

Try to relax. Being nervous during an injection can cause more pain afterwards. Relax your arms, shoulders, and jaw. Shift your gaze and focus on your breathing. Take a deep breath, in through your nose and out through your mouth. When you are about to insert the needle, take a deep breath and then count slowly to ten before exhaling. When you count to zero, the injection is complete!