The list below is intended for informational use only, and does not diagnose or treat any condition.
Severe means more than you might expect given your age, your cultural background, and your intellectual grasp of the situation. Persistent means it happens consistently, not just once.
Putting off or avoiding vacines, medical proceedures, and tests. Avoiding places that remind you of needles. Avoiding media that might contain needles. Avoiding conversations about medical proceedures.
Sudden drops of blood pressure can cause dizziness, "wooziness", nausea, feeling light-headed, stumbling, falling, fainting, and even convulsions.
All of the usual tactics don't seem to help. Deep breathing, distracting yourself, listening to music, and cajoling yourself all do little to mitigate your feelings.
Even though you may want to get a vaccine or test, and even though you know that your fear doesn't make sense and seems disproportionate, your fear persists. This can cause you to feel embarasment, shame, and misunderstood.
When your life, health, goals, or relationships are being significantly negatively imacted, it can be called a dis-order. If you cannot access the healthcare you need, or if this distress impacts your normal functioning, it may be considered a disorder.
It is recomended to treat this phobia before attempting further medical experiences, if possible. Find a therapist who understands this challenging condition.
You deserve empathy and care.
While we don't know enough about needle phobia yet, there is helpful research emerging. Arm yourself with evidence and compassionate understanding of this phobia, and pass this knowledge on to others.
Finding a therapist can take time, and often there are waitlists. While you wait, you can start to treat yourself through guided exposure therapy and other free therapeutic tools.
Needle phobia is on the rise, and it already impacts up to 1 in 10 people. Even experienced therapists can struggle when treating it. Through Brave Enough training, you will get the support and information you need to make a positive impact. You'll also become a part of a passionate, compassionate community who care about advancing the best practices to treat this phobia. Our community is a supportive and encouraging space where you can find inspiration, support, and resources.
Connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion for treating this phobia. Get all of the latest information, research, and resources. Get referals through the Brave Enough Therapist Directory.
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