3 Techniques to Help You Overcome a Fear of Needles

Children are usually scared of needles, and any medical procedure involving needles is a big no for them. As a child grows, this fear keeps subsiding and eventually disappears. Sometimes, however, the fear of needles sticks with a person. In medical terms, this condition is called trypanophobia.

If you also have trypanophobia, you can read further to know what causes it and how you can overcome it.

Causes of Fear of Needles

Physicians are uncertain about the exact cause of trypanophobia. Similar to other phobias, there are a number of contributing elements. Which are:

Negative Interactions

According to research, patients with chronic illnesses who require more shots are more prone to experiencing phobias. This is due to their unpleasant encounters with needles.

Biology

When given a shot, people who experience a vasovagal reflex reaction experience extreme dizziness and fainting—a fear reflex that is thought to be inherited.

Sensitivity

People who are sensitive to pain frequently experience anxiety before receiving a shot.

Restraint

In order to administer shots, some persons are constrained. They get more fearful as control is lost.

Genetics

There is a genetic component to phobia. The condition was present in family members of 80% of those who had trypanophobia.

Ways to Overcome the Fear of Needles

Trypanophobia can be overcome in a number of ways. Here are a few examples: 

1. Collect Information

Schedule a visit with the doctor to get used to the needles. Inquire about the process and what to anticipate. Brochures can be read to gain information, which reduces anxiety about the unknown. Moreover, many people are able to get through the experience by realizing that the pain is fleeting yet necessary.

2. Mental Exercise and Meditation

Visualization can be used to overcome the phobia. It may be beneficial to picture yourself in a relaxing environment when getting the shot. A 14-minute meditation session each day can also assist with the phobia.

3. Medication

The best course of action is to take medicine if a patient is not improving with therapy. To reduce anxiety, medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are prescribed. Benzodiazepines might provide quick relief from anxiety symptoms.

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Disclaimer: This article is only intended for educational purposes and shouldn’t be used as a substitute for medical advice.