Tips To Help You Get Over A Fear Of Needles

Posted on: 28 July 2018

If you have a chronic disease, like one that affects your immune system, then you may be prescribed an injectable treatment. These treatments may be needed once a month or more often. If you are scared of needles, then the thought of receiving the medicine on a regular basis can be traumatizing. If this is problematic, then there are some ways that you can get over your fear. 

Use An Anesthetic Cream

Many people have a biologic reaction to the needles, which means that you may feel quite faint when a needle is placed in your body. This is called a sympathetic reaction and involves your sympathetic nervous system. While the thought of a needle can trigger the system and cause a drop in blood pressure, it may be the actual pain and pressure from the needle causing the issue instead. If this is the case, then work to reduce the sensation of the needle penetrating the skin. 

One of the easiest ways to reduce sensations is to apply a topical anesthetic gel or cream. These creams can be purchased at your local pharmacy and they contain a numbing agent called lidocaine. This is the same material that can be found in the numbing shots that your dentist gives you before completing dental work. 

Over-the-counter anesthetic creams are not particularly strong. If this is problematic, then a physician at the treatment center, clinic, or hospital should be able to supply you with a cream before your injection. 

If you purchase your own cream, then make sure to apply it about 10 or 15 minutes before your treatment, so it has time to seep into your skin.

Distract Yourself

You are less likely to have a biological reaction and a fainting episode if you keep yourself occupied before, during, and after the injection. If possible, bring someone with you who is willing to talk to you during the treatment. You can also bring a phone or tablet to watch a television program or read a book. If normal distractions are not enough to keep you occupied, then wear a rubber band around your wrist and gently snap it while the injection is given. The sensation of the rubber band will overwhelm the nervous system and keep the sympathetic part of your body from reacting. 

Laughter is a good distraction method, so ask your doctor or treatment specialist if they can tell you a joke. Other types of distractions, like meditation, can work for some people, so try a few different methods.

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