Disclosure: This post is made possible with support from the Meg Foundation. All opinions are my own.
Do you know someone who has a fear of needles or is needle-phobic? I do, and that person is me. I’m not a fan of needles, never have been. These tips to overcome the fear of needles will definitely help.
It’s been a fear and worry of mine since I was a small child, and it has continued into my wise old age. But now that I know that it’s a common issue and I’m not alone, I feel a whole lot better about getting “stuck” nowadays.
And if you’re still feeling a bit worried about the needle, I just want you to know that you aren’t alone. In fact, there are many reasons that we’re worried about needles, but I can tell you some of the positive reasons to defeat your needle worry to feel victorious in your choice.
Fear of Needles? Tips to Overcome the Fear of Needles
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Being afraid of needles is common, but for many of us, the fear may be so intense that it might even prevent us from getting necessary shots, such as the COVID-19 vaccination. Get in line right behind me because it’s all about making a plan and sticking to it.
I’ve been scared my whole life, but I am at a place now where I’ve realized how I can easily overcome that fear. And since these tips work for me, I thought I’d share them with you, too.
- Make a plan and “stick” to it
Ha! See what I did there? The biggest reason that we tend to not want to get a shot is that we let our minds play games with us. If you write down your plan, you’ll make it happen. My plan includes distraction. Every time I need to get a shot, I start talking to the nurse (a lot!), asking her questions about travel or movies. Anything to distract me, and it helps tremendously.
When you create a plan, it’s doable. This tool will help you make a plan to take care of yourself, your family, and all of us because we all want to get back to normal life as quickly and safely as we can.
- Have an appointment buddy
People are stronger in pairs. If you’re worried about going to your appointment alone, have someone go with you. They’ll be there to hold your hand, make you laugh, and divert your attention. Before you even know what is happening, it’ll be over and done.
- Know that getting a vaccine is helping out yourself and your loved ones
Did you know that 25% of adults have enough fear of needles that it affects their healthcare decisions, like whether or not to get vaccinated? That’s a large percentage of the population that might just need a bit more reassurance.
With the average shot taking just seconds, a little poke of pain for protection from illnesses and diseases is a very small discomfort. It’s better to get it over with. Anxiety often comes from inexperience, so it’s best to learn all you can and then get it over with. After getting the shot, you will realize that it wasn’t as bad as you anticipated.
- Use your fear to empower yourself
Being a pain champion is all about finding prevention and management strategies to empower families and children to have better medical experiences. Why can’t you think that your fears are there to make you stronger? Every day we overcome hard obstacles in life. And every day we continue to be challenged. With this mentality, your fear of needles doesn’t have to be a stopping point but can be a starting point instead.
- Lean on resources for help
The Meg Foundation will help you make a plan (Hack The Vax) that you can stick to and follow through with. Remember, you’re not alone in this at all. There are so many people who feel that their shoes are suddenly full of concrete and stuck in place when it comes time to take the shot. These techniques have been used for a long time. We know they work.
Think, Plan, and Go Get Your Shot
Are you ready to take the next steps in letting go of that anxiety and fear of needles? Let’s Hack the Vax.
Think, plan, and go get your shot without fear, and pass on these techniques because you never know when someone else is feeling nervous. Helping those that are going through needle fears and getting them vaccinated is a step toward keeping our community safe.
Please join me in spreading the word. I got both parts of my vaccine, and I feel great, you can, too!
Have you been vaccinated? Did you put it off due to your fear of needles? Let’s discuss this in the comments.
I don’t have a fear of needles. I bet this post is helpful for anyone who is fearful of needles. Glad you shared some tips to help someone get over their fear of needles. I’m sure most people do get what they NEED to be done – done, even with having a fear of needles.
Glad you don’t have fear!
I dont like needles one bit. I try thinking about something else when getting a shot.
That’s what I do and it has worked for me.
I’ve never been afraid of needles but I understand how others can have that fear. These are helpful tips!
You are my hero!
It is a really terrible fear. I used to be so afraid of getting my shots.
Sometimes it is a mindset.
My husband is terrified of needles, and when I saw him take the vaccine, I was shocked. It’s interesting to see how much power our minds have over us.
For some reason, the needle used for the shot seemed smaller.
I actually have a fear of needles before, but I was able to overcome it with the help of my sister. I am so thankful for her for always being there for me.
That’s great! Having a buddy helps.
I have to share this with my daughter. She is so scared of needles and is getting anxious about getting the vaccine for Covid. Your tips are really helpful!
Yes, please do. She can check out The Meg Foundation’s resources.
I am not fond of needles, but when I know it has to get done I keep that in mind and close my eyes. Taking a deep breath always helps.
Exactly! That’s how I am too, besides I don’t have a choice.
This is such a helpful post. I am fine with getting a tattoo, but you stick a needle in my veins and I freak out! lol
Too funny!
I have never liked getting needles. I tackle it by looking away and reading a book during needle times.
Same here. With the shot, I felt fine. Did not hurt at all.