How to overcome the fear of having blood drawn

Blood test is the most common method of examination. For example, blood test is required during physical examination. It is a necessary examination item in routine blood test. However, some people will feel great anxiety when having blood drawn, which will cause serious tension. When this happens, you must actively overcome it, because tension is not conducive to examination. Let us learn about this aspect.

How to overcome the fear of having blood drawn

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. Tell yourself the necessity of the injection.

Rather than dwelling on your fear of injections, focus on the benefits of getting them and keep reminding yourself that you are protecting yourself from dangers that could be far more serious than a simple shot. 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.

4. Relax your muscles after tightening 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.