3 Tips To Help Improve Your Fear Of Needles

Needles are certainly contraptions to be feared. They pierce your skin to draw blood, and anything that caused even a tiny amount of pain can be terrifying. A trip to the doctor may leave you feeling uncomfortable, especially once the order for an IV fluid comes. However, fear of needles can sometimes transcend beyond just nervousness. For others, facing a needle can mean panic attacks and fainting spells. 

Unfortunately, such a phobia can make it difficult for others to get the treatments they need. This is especially problematic for those who need IV treatments, but fortunately, there are ways to make needles more tolerable.

To help you fully embrace your fear of needles and overcome it, here are some tips to take into consideration:

Reframe your mindset 

While it may be quite difficult to do, reframing your thoughts and reminding yourself that the pain is only temporary could be an effective way to mitigate the fear. Remind yourself that the pain will not last very long and you’ll be fine immediately afterward.

 Sometimes, it helps to look for ways to take your mind off of the fear, such as turning your head away and humming a little song. Thinking rationally and remaining positive or taking your mind off of the pain could be easier said than done, but it’s the first step to fighting phobias such as the fear of needles and IVs.

Increase your exposure to needles 

Increasing your exposure to something can help you grow more comfortable and confident. This could mean exposing yourself to photographs of needles, or perhaps watching more episodes of House or Grey’s Anatomy. Eventually, you’ll find yourself sitting next to a needle, and should luck be by your side, you’ll eventually be able to face the process of injections. 

Get your doctor or nurse involved in the process 

Fear is a completely normal human emotion, and healthcare workers should know it very well. They likely deal with numerous patients with the fear of blood and needles and have an idea on how to deal with those patients. It helps to be upfront to the nurses or physicians about your fear, and you may even let them know while you’re setting up an appointment with them. 

Doing so can help them understand you and take the necessary steps to get you more comfortable and ready for your shot or IV. They may also employ some tactics to help you take your mind off of the fear, such as keeping the needles out of your sight as much as possible or redirecting your attention.

Seek Medical Professionals Who’ll Take Care Of You

Getting over your fear of a needle can be a difficult process. It cannot be done overnight, especially since phobias exist and happen due to specific circumstances and other more tragic moments. They’re embedded in your unconscious, making it difficult to understand and rationalize. But as with all things, however, taking it one step at a time can greatly improve your predicament. Make sure to keep this quick guide in mind as you face your biggest fear—one day, you’ll be facing needles like a pro! It’s yes to all your treatments, especially those administered through IV lines.

If you need IV infusion therapy in Houston but live in fear of needles, allow Z Med Clinic to help. We offer you a state-of-the-art family healthcare clinic in Texas, trusted to help make every treatment experience comfortable for you. Allow us to serve you with unparalleled medical care and health support. Book an appointment today.