Needle phobia and the need to overcome it by Sarahbeth Hartlage

Needle phobia or fear of injections is quite common among people. Doctors say that it is crucial to address this even more as COVID-19 vaccines are coming into the market, and people have to get vaccinated to protect themselves. If you are suffering from this issue, it is better to take a constructive approach towards it. After all, coronavirus vaccines can be a savior of your life, and you cannot avoid them just because of your discomfort with them. Hence, take the first step by educating yourself about this condition and what you can do.

Sarahbeth Hartlage: Phobia, needle phobia, and more

A stimulus of fear or anxiety can cause a phobia. Almost 30% of the population faces anxiety disorders at least once; 7% to 9% of them suffer the fear of a specific thing. However, needle anxiety doesn't have to meet any formal criteria to belong to the category of phobia. Nearly one-fourth of adults panic about needles, and about 7% of them don't take immunity boosters for the same reason, as revealed by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Health experts believe needle phobia caused serious challenges even before the virus outbreak, while everyone knows that vaccinations can keep them safe from illness, disability, and death. Ailments like diphtheria and measles came under control because of vaccinations.

If you have a tremendous amount of fear about needles, the chances are you would not take an injection even for your health's sake. But you cannot afford to do this if you wish to protect yourself from the deadly virus. You have to figure out a solution to your problem. Needle phobic people face insomnia, dizziness, tensed muscles, sweating, and others when they opt for injections despite their qualms. Hence, it is better to work on it first.

For example, you can look for specific meditation and yoga techniques, says Sarahbeth Hartlage. At the same time, you can try to distract your thoughts from the memory of the frightening event by doodling, randomly counting things you see, focusing on your breathing, etc. When you have to take a vaccination, make sure you visit the clinic with a trusted or close person. The continuous practice of relaxation methods and your dear person's company can help you cope with the fear when you get injected.

Besides, there are medications in medical stores. But you cannot get most of them without a prescription.

Seeking help with the fear of the needle

It can be a wise idea to practice relaxation techniques to find relief from your phobia. However, you must take professional help if you experience severe symptoms. In these cases, cognitive behavioral therapy can prove quite useful. You would work with an expert to change your thinking and behavioral patterns. However, you cannot expect overnight success. It may take several sessions to help you face your needle phobia effectively. Some believe that 4 to 10 sessions can be adequate for needle phobia treatment.

Since Covid-19 vaccines are rolling out soon, you must pay attention to your fear of needles and do something about it.