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Afraid of Needles
I am 13 yrs old and terribly embarrassed that I wimper, cry, sob, and sometimes faint when I get a shot. After I get it I feel silly, but when I get the next one, I have panic attacks. Any help please??
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don't worry I feel the same way when I get shots too. so don't let other kids intiminate you or think you are a cry baby because your not. what I'm trying to say is everyone is afraid of something even the most ridicelous things.
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Dude, it's okay. I get panic attacks a lot. I'm 13 and I still scream and kick the doctors. I've even kicked one in the balls! You can scream all you want. Show those doctors you're scared and don't want to handle it. I mean, it's a good thing to let them know that you're fucking scared! It's natural for someone to be scared of shots. My brother's 29 and he's scared of shots! (did I say that???... lolz) Just live your life. Shots hurt, I know/ My leg goes numb all the time or my arm, it's normal.
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I can completely sympathise. I've had more blood tests now than I can count, and they still bother me.
A lot of what helped me (and I'm definitely doing better than I was for a long time) was gradual desensitisation. I also request a place to lie down before, during, and after, so I don't pass out.
But back to the desensitisation. It's a little difficult to do with this particular fear, but perhaps you can start just by thinking about it for a few minutes. Then maybe stand outside the hospital or doctor's office or wherever you get them done, just to be comfortable with it. Even better, if you can hang around inside, that would help. Consider looking at pictures of syringes, maybe.
Breathing is a huge help. I concentrate on my breathing when I'm getting my blood taken (as well as getting needles). I think about just slowly breathing in and out and pay attention to nothing else. If that doesn't work, try having someone talk to you as distraction, or focus on a poster or particular spot on the wall. Whatever you do, don't watch as they do it. That almost inevitably makes things worse.
You're not alone. Best of luck, and don't be too hard on yourself.
-Daimeera, 20/f
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Fear of needles is quite common, and you shouldn't feel embarrassed or ashamed.
I don't know how you can stop the panic attacks, but I think you should discuss your fear with your doctor before you get shots. They may be able to do something to make you feel more calm and relaxed.
ygs-29/f
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I do that too. Try to buy something to drink, like gatorade- and bite on the cap when you get the shot, or, you can get a "jawbreaker" candy and clench your teeth on it when the needle is going in.
just remain calm, and dont fret:D
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