Fear of Needles
Why does a simple blood test feel impossible?
You're in the waiting room. Your stomach has already dropped, your palms are damp, and every part of you wants to leave. You know it's "just a needle." Your body doesn't agree.
If you've felt embarrassed by your reaction, please know your fear is very real. Needle phobia, or trypanophobia, is common in adults and children. For some people it eases with time. For others it stays the same or gets worse.
What does needle phobia include?
An intense fear of needles, injections, blood tests or medical procedures involving needles, whether that's blood tests, vaccinations, dental injections, IV drips, watching someone else have an injection, or seeing medical equipment or hearing talk of blood tests. For some people the anxiety starts weeks ahead. Others feel fine until the appointment gets close, and then panic takes over. You may cancel appointments, delay important tests or avoid medical care altogether.
Why do I react like this when I know it's quick?
Phobias are rarely logical. Many people describe feeling panicked, sick, dizzy or faint, embarrassed or ashamed that they "can't cope," or terrified of losing control.
"I know it sounds silly, but I just can't do it."
"What if I panic?" "
What if I faint?"
"I feel trapped."
What are the symptoms?
Sweating, a racing heart or palpitations, trembling, nausea, dizziness, breathlessness, feeling panicked, and feeling faint or actually fainting. Unlike many phobias, needle phobia can trigger a vasovagal response, where blood pressure and heart rate suddenly drop and lead to dizziness or fainting. If you've fainted before, worrying about it happening again can strengthen the fear.
Where does it come from?
Often childhood, sometimes after a painful injection, a difficult medical experience or a frightening memory. For others it develops gradually or without any clear cause. You may have had a bad time at the doctor, watched someone else become distressed, developed a fear of blood, or simply found medical settings overwhelming. You don't have to stay stuck with it either way.
What does avoiding it cost you?
Blood tests, vaccinations, check-ups, dental treatment, hospital appointments and necessary health investigations all get put off. That can affect long-term wellbeing and leave you torn between fear and needing care.
How can needle phobia be treated?
I help people gently overcome the fear, panic and anxiety linked to needles and medical procedures, without forcing you through overwhelming experiences before you're ready. Using BWRT® and other therapeutic approaches, the aim is to help you feel calmer, more in control and less distressed so appointments stop feeling impossible. Many people are surprised by how quickly things begin to change.
Where do I start?
Sessions run online via FaceTime, Messenger, WhatsApp or Zoom, from anywhere in the world. Email me or call 0409 254 500 for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Hi Liz
The blood test went really well today! I got anxious in the waiting room but doing the exercises helped reduce it. This was an amazing reduction. Thank you so much for the sessions. I'm super happy with my outcome!
GS Qld
I
