needle phobia

[blackford]

Having blood drawn soon.

Am petrified of needles. Been sick with anxiety.

How can i get through it calmy ? So scared

[LazyGun]

First of all, remember that you are not alone in your anxiety. It has been estimated that around 10% of the population have an undue fear of needles.
Second, tell whoever is drawing blood from you that you have a phobia of needles... they may well be able to administer a topical (local) anaesthetic... this can be surprisingly effective... you could perhaps ensure that your feet are elevated, to minimise the vasovagal response.
Third... don't look... look anywhere but at the site where blood is to be drawn.
Fourth... remember to consciously force yourself to breathe slowly and deeply... breathing shallowly/rapidly can exacerbate the onset of panic.
Fifth... try to keep in mind that there are literally millions of venapunctures daily across the world, and the number of bad side effects is negligable.
Sixth.... Try to focus on just how good you will feel with yourself once you have gone through it!

Good luck, and remember think calm thoughts, and breathe slowly and deeply.

[Miss Inquiry]

It's not going to help you too much, but think about all the poor children in countries who have to have daily injections or live on machines keeping them alive, subjected to constant injections and daily pain. Even children with diabetese having to inject themselves daily is awful.

Now how bad is your fear?

Be strong, maybe take some natural Valerian before the appointment, or some Kalms tablets, and then follow all of Lazy Guns advice.

It's a few seconds of your life, it will be fine!

[redcrx]

Im exactly the same. If its at your GP then ask if they can get some cream in to numb the area first, i think its called emler cream.

I had to have mine done at my local hospital when pregnant and even the thought of it being for the health of my baby didnt help. I went in, asked for the cream, had it applied and then waited for 30-45 mins for it to work before having blood taken. Its great stuff and the nurses were really good about it all.