Hey Everyone,
My name is Hannah and I am so afaid of needles I can't fully explain it. For e.g. I went to Vanuatu on my honeymoon and was supposed to get a Malaria and Hep. B needles before I went but I was sooooooooooo scared :cry: I refused and risked getting these diseases! Thankfully I didn't contract them but my fear is such an irrational one that it affects my health. I really would appreciate any tips or advise because I don't want this fear to rule me anymore??

Hi Hannah and a very warm welcome to Ofear

I understand what you mean about vaccinations because a few years ago I went to Dominican Republic and have to have a few and I was petrified. I did manage to have mine done but not without a lot of persuasion. I didnt enjoy one little bit but I just had to feel relaxed when I was on holiday and not worrying about what disease I might pick up lol.

Anyway im sure you will get some great advice here and enjoy your time with us at Ofear

John

Hi Hannah

Can you tell us if your fear is triggered by the thought of having an injection, or if you have to see the needle or it is only triggered when they bring the needle close to your skin?

Hey Shy-guy,

My fear is of actually getting a needle. I have worked as a vet nurse and given needles to animals and it never worried me, but if I know that I HAVE to get a needle I start to panic. So I guess it's not needles themselves it is the fear of getting one!!!
*shivers* I'm getting scared just THINKING about having one :cry:

Try and think of something else right now Hannah. Focus your mind on something very relaxing and the panic will go away im sure. Hope you feel better soon.

shopaholic Wrote:My fear is of actually getting a needle. I have worked as a vet nurse and given needles to animals and it never worried me, but if I know that I HAVE to get a needle I start to panic. So I guess it's not needles themselves it is the fear of getting one!!!
*shivers* I'm getting scared just THINKING about having one :cry:

Ah yes I understand. ssmile Take a look at my post on Systematic Desensitization:

http://www.ofear.com/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=854&sid

When you start the actual desensitising close you eyes and ask your partner (a friend, your husband, a member of family) to lightly stroke your arm with a damp piece of cloth as if it is an alcohol swab, then gentle press your vein with their finger when you can except this without stress move on to the blunt end of a pencil, repeating the process each time with a thinner object down to a fine knitting needle, pointed end of a pencil, or an earring stud (for obvious reason nothing sharp enough to actually break the skin).

Any questions? =D

Thanx Shy Guy,

That's sounds like a really good idea, I will have to try it. Although I think that the first time I might ask an enemy to help that way if I punch them in the face I wont feel as bad as I would if it were a friend lol :lol:

shopaholic Wrote:I might ask an enemy to help that way if I punch them in the face I wont feel as bad as I would if it were a friend lol :lol:

I like your way of thinking Hannah :lol: