How to overcome blood and needle phobia
You probably know that the way to getting rid of phobias is gradual exposure. That's what CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) is about.
I have great difficulty handling blood and needles (as in syringes). Even when shown on TV I look away. 🙂 Recently I began watching the British TV series Critical. It probably contains as much blood, scalpels, needles, and human internals as I have ever seen. I started by looking away much of the time in the first five or six episodes. Then, gradually it got a little easier to see more of the "problematic" parts. At the end of the first season (episode 13), I could watch the whole episode without too much discomfort and I even got a bit curious about the procedures.
This is a huge improvement. I am not sure if it has affected my ability to look at blood and syringes in real life.
If you too find it hard to see blood, perhaps you could do something similar. Critical may be too much of shock therapy for you. Then Nurse Jackie, Grey's Anatomy or ER could work.
» Critical
Best regards, Niklas 🎈
I also hate seeing blood and needles! Unfortunately, it doesn’t mix well given the fact that I have to give myself a shot once a month, haha. I’ll get used to it over time I hope!
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Blood and needles have never really bothered me! I had many blood test throughout the years and now I'm old enough I am a blood donor!
I have very skinny arms so I find donating quite uncomfortable and tiresome, but I know the benefits it brings is worth the 15 minutes of hassle I have to endure! Maybe donating blood would be an intense but overall positive experience to Help someone overcome a blood and needle phobia??
All the best, Leia
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Here's hoping that some of the fear has gone away in the real world! I never had a fear of them either, but I don't react well to them, haha. The last two I have got I have passed out shortly after having them done, so something about the immediate aftermath doesn't agree with my body.
I also think that this way is probably the best way to deal with a phobia… well, a lot more ethical than flooding, perhaps
#2: I have thought about giving blood but think that you aren’t allowed to take medicines when you do. Do you know if that's true? #3: Is after donating blood that you pass out? I think that is common if you dont take it easy. The blood pressure goes down.
Best regards, Niklas 🎈
#4 I have no idea actually! I have never given blood. It makes me way too nauseous and sick feeling. The last time I got my blood drawn for testing I got a migraine. It’s all because I am afraid of it 😂😂. I always tell the nurse that they have to distract me and not let me see the blood or needle or I might get sick 😂 I am such a baby when it comes to blood haha
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#4 I think it depends what medications it is! There is a ton a of regulations you have the read prior to see if you are eligible to donate, they can all be found online and will depend with the company your donating too I would imagine.
All the best, Leia
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Okay. I will have to read up on it.
Best regards, Niklas 🎈
#4 Only after vaccinations! I have not had the opportunity to give blood, yet. However, it does worry me slightly that something like that could happen then as well!
#4 Some medicines are no problem to take when giving blood. I gave blood for a while (did eat different kinds of medicine then) but I have to narrow and delicate blood vessel so after a few tries I had to stop :(
I have never had problems with needles or blood and don't really have any phobias any more (I had elevator phobia as a child).
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I sent an email to the blood donor's office. They told me that taking medicines generally isn't a problem for blood donation and my medicines, in particular, aren’t. 🙂So, I'll just have to muster some courage to do it before I go there.
Best regards, Niklas 🎈
#10 I had a downwards escalator feat when I younger! #11 no excuses then😉 it’s an amazing thing to give blood!
All the best, Leia
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I got registered yesterday. If everything is okay, they will invite me in a month.
Best regards, Niklas 🎈
#13 That's great, and a huge step considering you have a phobia! Go you!!
I hope it all goes well 🙂
All the best, Leia
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Yesterday I parted with 450 ml of my blood. It took about seven minutes and was very bearable. Afterwards they had a sandwich buffet. I ate a very good sourdough sandwich with Philadelphia cheese and drank organic apple juice. In three months I expect to get a new invitation sms. 🙂
Best regards, Niklas 🎈
#15 Well done! Good Luck.
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Thank you!
Best regards, Niklas 🎈
#15 Woo go you!! You’re lucky you get a buffet, here in the UK you’re allowed a cookie, cup of tea or dilute squash, they’re not as generous it seems 😂. Do you feel more confident facing blood and needles now?
All the best, Leia
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Yes, I absolutely do. Earlier in life I would not have done it.
Best regards, Niklas 🎈
Congrats Niklas!
Thanks, Jordan!
Best regards, Niklas 🎈