Overcoming a Fear of Needles

Having a fear of needles, also known as trypanophobia, is very common. The number of needles you are exposed while trying to receive a diagnosis of myasthenia gravis (MG) or after diagnosis can be very overwhelming and traumatizing. You may become more familiar with injections, blood draws, intravenous therapy, and transfusions than you think you can handle..¹

Magnifying the unease of needles in our heads makes them more of a hurdle than a brief moment of hurt. But when we move our thoughts of needles in our head from the worry compartment over to self-care, we can clear away hesitation and allow ourselves to accept discomfort with peace.

Distract yourself

In the days and hours leading up to a blood draw or injection, distract yourself when fear and worry creep into your mind. Go to the gym. Cook a meal. Meet up with a loved one. Listen to music. Anything you can consider, try. But avoid watching medical or healthcare-oriented shows and movies not to trigger unwanted thoughts.

Get deep into thought

Think of your career, a business plan you are working on, a project with your hobby, or something that can get your mind rolling and thinking. Ask yourself questions - propose problems and think them through. Start when you get to your appointment or are around 10 minutes until the blood draw.

I would avoid discussing your thoughts with your phlebotomy technician to let them focus. The last thing you want when you have a needle fear is the needle not going in on the first try.

Bring someone with you

If your encounter with needles is a scheduled appointment, bring someone along. They may not be allowed back in the room with you, but they can help preoccupy your mind during the drive there and in the waiting room.

Sing songs in your head

We are trying not to focus on the feeling when the needle penetrates the skin. So try focusing on song lyrics. It could be a song you are trying to remember the words to. However, singing a song you know and love in your head can even assist you in imagining the instruments and beat, allowing your mind to drift away from the present scenario.

Watch a show on your phone

If you find it challenging to distract yourself, set up your phone with a show when it is time for needles. If the volume can distract you, ask the technician if they are okay with that. If you think it will distract them or they seem apprehensive, play a silent slideshow of photos from good memories or places you dream of visiting.

Try a spinner ring

Similar to fidget spinners, these rings are designed to aid people with mental health conditions. These spinner rings include components that you can turn while wearing the ring. Turning your ring with a finger can be an alternative physical sensation to focus on instead of the injection.

Do not make eye contact with the needle

From the moment I enter the blood draw room or they bring the needles and vials into the room, I turn my head in the opposite direction. I never look or even sneak a peak at the needles or my arm anytime throughout the process. At most, I will make sure the tech puts on gloves.

Even once the needle comes out, do not look at the blood in the vials on the counter. The only incident I ever had passing out was when I looked at the vials after they had just filled a handful of large vials. Don't ruin success for yourself until you are in the clear.

Get a tattoo

Get a fun tattoo in a less sensitive area with thicker skin and more fat. The tiny needles barely penetrate and move very fast, so it is more irritating than painful and involves less pressure than deeper needles. Overcome fear with something you can enjoy for a long time.

Progress is possible

When you have a chronic illness, encounters with needles join the self-care category. The reward in itself, caring for our health, will eventually force us to tolerate needles.

However, we should stop overthinking needles in our heads. They are brief moments of pain or discomfort, often imagined to be worse, even when we know what to expect. We can surpass just abiding with hesitation and reach a point when we have a calm acceptance and possibly appreciation for needles.

It is not quick or easy to overcome, but evolving our nervousness about needles can alleviate some of the stress and dread we attach to healthcare environments, procedures, and treatments. Set a new intention or goal for your thought process that you will try and implement each time you deal with needles. Keep preaching it to yourself; needles are self-care.