fear of needles - Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Message Board

equivocated · 10-01-2001, 11:15 PM

ok...

i have a question.
is anyone else afraid of needles?

My fear is to the point where I'll either pass out at the sight of a needle, or if it doesn't go that far, i'll pass out when receiving the needle, and even SOMETIMES when i don't actually pass out, i'll puke right after the needle. And i ALWAYS feel nauseous for hours afterwards.

Also, i always think about the needle i received, and have bad dreams.

And if i think about needles at other times (like right now), i start to feel nauseous and dizzy.

Does anyone have any advice on combatting this fear? Because i DO plan on having children someday... and that'll require needles, and also other blood tests and so forth.

please help!

Ally1017 · 10-14-2001, 11:46 AM

HI! I'm really afraid of needles too, but once I'm at the doctor and they have to stick me I just have to realize that it's not going to hurt like I imagine it will. If you feel like it's a problem maybe you should talk to your doctor. I have a fear of being gagged with the tongue depressor and throwing up because when I was little they had to do a strep test and they made me vomit. My doctor suggested hypnosis to help me get over the fear. I never actually had the hypnosis done because I moved away from my hometown, but I trust him and believe that it might be a good option to help me overcome that fear. I haven't done any research but maybe you could and then talk to the doctor. Also, about having kids, I don't really know if you'll even be thinking about the needles as much as the contractions and the fact that you would have a beautiful baby after the labor. Hope this helps you some.

wolf · 11-23-2001, 08:39 PM

I was phobic about needles for years, much as you seem to be (even the sight of them would make me light-headed). In addition, I'm a Type I diabetic (requiring insulin, which is currently available only by injection).

I've been seeing a psychologist for a few months for other issues, and when I mentioned the needle phobia, she thought it would be something I might overcome fairly easily. This seemed impossible to me; I couldn't imagine letting anyone get near me with a needle, much less do it to myself! After a few months of therapy (not directly related to the phobia), I felt like I was ready to try to take on the problem -- I took out an insulin needle and just looked at it for a few minutes; then loaded it and took a shot like I'd been doing it for years! The all-encompassing fear just fell away.

I relate this story to show you that this phobia can be overcome. It's just a little glitch in your thinking that seems enormous, but can fade away quickly with treatment.

kristis2 · 11-30-2001, 01:33 PM

I was scared to death of them as well,untill I got pregnant and had to have a zillion tests! I still have a fear that I will pass out during them,but I never have even come close,so it is just a thought! I hope you can talk with your Dr about this and maybe he/she can help! Take care! Kristi

kristis2 · 11-30-2001, 01:35 PM

I was scared to death of them as well,untill I got pregnant and had to have a zillion tests! I still have a fear that I will pass out during them,but I never have even come close,so it is just a thought! I hope you can talk with your Dr about this and maybe he/she can help! Take care! Kristi