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Subscribe to RSSSeeing a needle in a medical setting is enough to make even the toughest of us faint.
People who are terrified of needles get the same heart racing, shallow breathing and nerve jangling reactions seen in other intense fears. But the tendency to faint is what sets some medical phobias apart from, say, being petrified of heights or spiders.
"The possibility of fainting is the most pronounced difference. You don't see that very often in other phobias," says Martin Antony, a psychology professor at Ryerson University in Toronto and co-author of the book "Overcoming Medical Phobias."
By one estimate, more than half the people with a full-blown needle phobia and nearly three-quarters of folks with an extreme aversion to blood have a history of passing out in these situations.
A fear of needles and injections may involve the thought, sight, smells surrounding or pain from getting them. It can range from a mild dread to a moderate case of the heebie-jeebies to a full-blown phobia in which people refuse to have their blood drawn or avoid medical care entirely.
As medical phobias go, being afraid of needles or disgusted by them is fairly common.
However, needle-phobes aren't keeling over because they're wimps or scardey-cats. "They've inherited a genetic predisposition to fainting combined with a negative experience that triggers the fear," explains Antony.
A majority of needle-phobes have a parent, sibling or child with the condition, and many have inherited what's called a vasovagal reflex in response to fear. When they see a needle or get a shot, this triggers the vagus nerve, which widens blood vessels, slows heart rate, and drops blood pressure. Ultimately, they may lose consciousness often for a couple of seconds.
Both needle phobia and the vasovagal reflex tend to run in families. But a fear of needles is also brought on by a negative experience in a doctor or dentist's office usually before the age of 10.
What's also tricky about needle phobia is that it can affect your health or be life threatening if needed medical tests, insulin injections, immunizations, surgery or doctor's visits are avoided.
Psychological treatment for needle phobia tends to be brief, but it's also unpleasant because you're exposed to the source of your fear, explains Antony. You might begin by talking about needles with a therapist, then looking at photos of them, and then watching videos of people getting their shots or being hooked up to IVs. Gradually, you work your way up to the real thing.
For those prone to fainting, they are first taught a technique called "applied tension," where they learn to tense the muscles in the body to increase blood pressure and avoid swooning. After practicing and becoming successful at this exercise, they then move on to gradual exposure.
Besides a psychological approach, some needle-phobes seek out pain patches or topical numbing agents before getting a shot or medical procedure. Others turn to tranquilizers, although these drugs may not be a good idea for those who faint.
Have you tried to overcome a fear of needles? What's worked?
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I have this. I passed out when my wife got her epidural. I turn my head when I see someone get a shot on TV, even when I know it's a spring-loaded prop. Part of why I don't get a flu shot. The thought of it makes my stomach turn.
Based on my own experience they may be right about the traumatic experience with a needle before 10 theory.
I have 2 younger sisters; J is terrified of needles and (the youngest) R is fairly nonchalant about them.
I suspect that J's earliest memory of a medical needle is one which involves her being first surprised by the injection as she was not looking when they started and then being traumatized because they could not find a vein so they had to poke her repeatedly. Subsequently she was terrified of going to the doctor and would physically rail against being brought in. This prompted them to physically restrain her (which didn't help quell the fear) and she was usually injected or had blood drawn as she was screaming and crying her eyes out. To this day she is still terrified and usually cries (at 27 years old) and then faints when the needle is brought out.
In R's case; her first memories are probably of a baby-faced phlebotomist who made friends with her and then told her about what was going to happen in a soothing voice. He walked her through it each time and nary a tear was shed when she needed to receive an injection. She is still nonchalant about doctor's visits and does not bat an eye when she needs a shot.
As for helping to overcome the fear of needles; there are so many factors involved like previous experiences, pain tolerance and apparently genetically inherited fear but I myself worked in the medical field for almost 8 years and it's fascinating to see how the attitude of the person performing the blood draw or injection can lower the anxiety in the patient.
I don't have a problem with getting blood drawn or receiving shots. However, when I'm at the dentist I freak. The dental needles are sooo big, and you can't see what's going on. It scares me to death. In fact after having a dentist come way to close to my nasal cavity with a needle, I have not been back to see a dentist for several years now.
I don't have the problem when others get the needle, but I still don't watch. I've been a total wimp with needles for 50 years, after my father thought it was funny to tease his 5 year old kid about the horrors of medical needles. Thanks, Dad! Needless to say, every visit to the doctor's office was a screaming match. I refused all needles for 30 years. Now, I'm older and sick, but don't get the medical care I need because of the intense fear. I've been through therapy, doesn't matter. I can handle the needle, see the needle, but I know it isn't going in so there's nothing to fear. The pain doesn't bother me. I stabbed myself with a screwdriver just yesterday ..... just put a band-aid on it. It hurt all night far worse than any needle, just put some alcohol on it, and after the intense pain, it is fine now.
Part of the problem are all the doctor lies. I went through a colonoscopy lately, five years late, because my brother had polyps and told me my estranged father died from colon cancer. I talked and talked, begged and pleaded to just put me out quickly during the pre-op. When it came time, they put in the IV and then told me it will be 30 minutes before the sleep guy could put me out. I ended up violently shaking for 30 minutes, begging for someone to give me a gun so I could blow my brains out. I would far prefer death over having to exist with a needle in my arm. I know it's an irrational fear, but nothing does me any good.
I have a weird case. I have no problem receiving shots in my shoulder area. But I'm scared to death of needles going near my forearms, neck, hands and below my knees.
I don't faint, but I avoid getting shots whenever I can, including a pain shot after my C-section and no Novocaine at the dentist. I can remember screaming while getting immunized as a child, and the nice doctor sitting on my lap to hold me down. Thanks, doc.
My 26 year old son has this phobia. He will not seek any type of medical treatment because he is so terribly afraid of having blood drawn or receiving a shot. Does anyone know how you get over this?
I had this same fear. I actually got a shot last week. This is nolonger a big deal. This no longer bothers me. I would pass out every time I got a shot. I can't tell you how many times I found myself on the floor after a shot or having blood drawn. I had very bad allergies so I decided to get allergy shots. When I got to the office I was told I would get 3 shots a week for the next 18 month. I had the same reaction the first week. My allergy Doctor said he read some information that suggested you attack this head on. He suggested that I concentrate on feeing the needle go into my arm to expereince what the pain is really like. After a few week I realized that the level of discomfort was not a bif deal. I have done the same thing when giving blod or having an IV.
I use to faint at the sight of needles, then I had to have epidermals in my back every other month for 18 months. I believe the association with needles reliving pain rather than giving it did the trick but believe me the fear is real but I no longer have the fear.
PS - I would advise my type of "shock" treatment to anyone....
When getting blood drawn, I would always pass out until I learned that by letting the medical person known that I need to lie down, the problems goes away as long as i don't get up too quickly. Just stay lying down for a minute or two after its over.
I'm 29 and I still have this phobia to an extent. For me, it all depends on what's being done. I can take flu shots in my shoulder without any problem... however, put a tourniquet on my arm to draw blood from the inside part of my elbow and I will almost pass out. For me, it's the location of the needle -- and it probably has to do with a very bad experience I had one time (before the age of 10 as the article suggests) where the woman who was trying to take my blood was AWFUL and ended up stabbing me in that part of my arm over and over and over again. I ended up with a baseball-sized bruise on that part of my arm and ever since then I've had a problem with it.
Perhaps this just goes to show that we shouldn't have IDIOTS or NEWBIES who don't know what they're doing when it comes to drawing blood practicing it on children. Let them practice on the adults who don't have any such phobias to begin with.
I passed out the first time at the age of 4 when a nurse pricked my finger for my blood at the doctor's office. I fainted dozens of times since and couldn't even watch someone get a shot on TV or overhear a conversation about blood work without fainting.
I avoided doctors as allll costs - never went unless I had to get a shot for school admissions and I kicked and screamed and fainted. It's very embarrassing to have people - including doctors and nurses look at you like you're a bit crazy and call you a baby when this phobia is so tough to deal with to begin with.
Then I found a LUMP in my BREAST when I was 28 and I forced myself to go get it checked out. There began a year of torture. I was diagnosed with breast cancer and had to undergo mastectomy, chemo, reconstruction. I had to see help from a cognitive therapist who taught me techniques like applied tension and muscle relaxation. But the most helpful - as one poster suggested - was actually facing it head on, almost "welcoming" the blood test or IV, allowing the fear to wash over you (instead of avoiding it); then realizing, stick after stick, that it's not as bad as you had always imagined.Definitely a true learning experience.
I'm healthy now (thank God) and blog about overcoming this fear:
I'm also writing a book about my experience. The med profession needs to take this phobia more seriously. Many many people are avoiding needed care! To everyone here, if I could get over my phobia to survive lifesaving med care, so can anyone! Please post a comment on my blog if I could help you further.
Nanci, I can sympathize. I was just like your son. The, I found a lump in my breast when I was 28 and I had to figure out what to do. I have a few suggestions. I'm not sure if you would like to correspond via email. If so, please visit my blog (if you don't want to post your address here). I will receive your comment with email address and I will not "publish" your comment; I will just retrieve the email address so I can write to you (hope that makes sense).
getfearlessnfree.blogspot.com
Man up
You don't get over it, you just eventually get to a point where you need/want medical treatment badly enough that you decide to eventually endure it. That, and you learn coping mechanisms to avoid the fainting, or even any kind of dizziness at all.
During my entire 20s, I think that I had my blood drawn maybe 3-4 times because I was so deathly afraid of needs, and of fainting. I'm 30 now and haven't had any kind of vaccine since I think middle school (my mom opted me out of Hep C and all other optional shots in high school). Flu shots? FORGET IT! If I can help it, I will never have another vaccine unless it's absolutely required, such as I'm traveling to a foreign country and you have to prove that you've had certain vaccines... although, the likelihood that I will ever go to such countries is pretty slim.
When I was around your son's age, I definitely put off dental work and routine medical exams due to fear of needles. But then in my later 20s, I started getting frustrated with chronic fatigue issues I've long experienced, so I finally sucked it up and had some lab work done with my primary care physician, as well as an endocrinologist. I've also gotten to the point where I HAD to have some dental work done... quite a lot of it since I've been putting it off for so long. Here are some tips I recommend for your son and anyone who is needle phobic:
1) Tell ANYONE who is sticking you with a needle of any kind that you have a tendency to faint. I've found that medical staff have become a lot more sensitive to this relatively common problem, and for the most part have learned to be gentle.
2) When having blood drawn, tell them you need to be reclined, and ask if they could use a butterfly needle (the kind they use on babies). They can't always, especially if they need a larger sample of blood, but it never hurts to ask. A cup of water or juice afterwards helps, too, along with taking at least 5 minutes before standing up again.
3) With dental work, tell the dentist or her tech that you're needle-phobic, and need the topical numbing as well as 15 minutes of the nitrous. They're usually happy to oblige. The topical ointment numbs the pain considerably, and the nitrous helps put you in a state where your anxiety is less likely to take over.
The last thing is that unless your doctor has ordered you to fast, drink something with sugar in it at least 30 minutes before you get your shot or blood drawn. Going in on an empty stomach makes you more likely to pass out. Although I will probably always avoid needles when I can, the tips I mentioned definitely do help. When I last had lab work about 5 months ago, I didn't even get dizzy. =)
You never get over it completely. I have learned to cope with it though after going through some very bad years of illness. A lot of good pointers above. I do make the dentist give me nitrous before the shots. I think he got tired of me upchucking in his office because I would get so worked up about it. When I get a blood draw or shot, I concentrate on moving my foot up and down slowly. Don't look at it, don't look at the nurse, think of nothing but moving the foot in an exact pattern. If I have to go in the hospital, I bring my little lizard. A small stuffed animal that fits perfectly in my palm. He's had the stuffing squeezed right out of him on several occasions.
LOL, many with these phobias wish it were that easy.
I had a violent needle phobia as a child which turned into a nightmare when I developed allergies so bad that I had life-threatening asthma attacks. Allergy tests involve poking needles into the skin hundreds of times and, of course, allergy SHOTS are exactly what they sound like. I was a human pin-cushion and I'd shake and cry the whole time.
It's going to sound weird but what got me over it was watching people getting their ears pierced or get tattoos. Still needles, but in a totally non-terrifying context (and doctors offices/hospitals are always terrifying) and done with complete consent and enthusiasm. It made me sick the first few times, but I'd sit at the mall slurping my soda and watching people get their ears pierced or go with friends to that tattoo parlor. Eventually, I ended up with a few tats of my own and came to realize that having a needle going under your skin doesn't HAVE to be associated with fear and uncertainty. It made a world of difference.
I eventually became a phlebotomist, lol, and found that people tended to have far less of a problem if you're pleasant, gentle, and explain EVERYTHING as it happens. Going to the doctor still scares the crap out of me on some level, granted, but I've learned to accept the fact that it's the one facet of my life where I'm powerless and that can be pretty liberating, too.
My veins flatten out even if I drive past my doctor's office. It's ridiculous, embarrassing and humiliating -- especially when some little child in the lab waiting area says "Mommy, what's wrong with that lady?" GEEEZZ!!!
I always had a fear of needles and even saw a therapist to try to overcome this. I had fainted in the past after accidentaly cutting myself. Then I got a blood disorder which requires weekly blood drawing. Although still nervous, if I don't look, I can get through it. But if the plebotomist has trouble finding a vein, I refuse to let them fish around. Find someone who is an expert and always request them and wait if you have to.
This is the only thing that works for me, too. My doctor has also learned to get my blood drawn in the exam room rather than risk my escape by sending me to the lab and trusting me to actually go there -- smart man.
A phobia? Are you kidding? Someone comes at you with a hollow metal tube with a point on it and pumps a liquid- some times a very thick liquid - into your body: arm, leg, fanny, mid-section, and this should make you - what? Happy? You shouldn't ever say to yourself, "Hey, this might hurt."?
There might be a few extreme reactions, but if people are lining up for shots because they're just plain neat..........Now, that's a problem.
I cannot look when I receive a shot or have blood drawn/give blood. If I look, my mind begins to freak out. I also will refuse if someone is trying to dig into my arm to find a vein. How hard is it to find a vein that is clearly visible? Even I could probably stick it!
I don't mind getting shots. It's not the pain or the neede that bothers me. However, when I see my bllod leaving my body, I feel queezy. I have no problem with seeing a bucket of other's blood. Just my own blood has that effect. If I look away while getting my blood drawn, I'm okay. Isn't that weird?
I and my brother both have this. After passing out each time my OB/GYN had to take blood during both my pregnancies - I finally discovered if I tell the doctor that I have a tendency to pass out and then make sure I'm lying down when the blood is drawn, it keeps it from happening.
This solved the problem for me also. I think by lying down, blood flow to the head is better. AS long as you don't get up too fast. Just stay lying down for a minute or two.
I've passed out numerous times while having blood drawn - including my pre-wedding blood test in front of my fiance. Now whenever I have blood drawn I lie down with my legs elevated, and get up slowly afterward. Like Amy, this has worked for me.
Interesting. Describes my husband and father-in-law to a T. We have a niece on that side who has seizures (not fainting, actual seizures) with every injection or needle stick, from babyhood up through adulthood. Our own youngest child has actual epilepsy, currently controlled by meds. Ironically, the kid with epilepsy has no problem with needles. Her older sister couldn't even abide having her fingernails clipped as a child, let alone sit for a shot without screaming at the top of her lungs, and she has a fear of needles as an adult, also. Looks like we might have a pattern here.
I have dealt with this for years. It runs in my family. I can pass out from someone talking about medical proceedures. The only cure I have found is to have regular exposure to medical situations.. once that occurs it is easier to control. However, most times I go months or years between medical visits. Usually once I regain consiousness after passing out... they can do anything to me because I won't faint a second time (plus I usually feel very refreshed and rested!) I am now in the habit of carrying a bottle of smellin salts (ammonium carbonate) with me and take a couple of "hits" whenever I feel agitated.. that and making sure the person drawing blood does it quickly without a lot of jabbering about how it won't hurt!
Before I comment, please pardon the errors as I get shakey just typing about this subjet.: deep breath...I can not handle needles, getting shots, takign bloodwithout developing a hysterical laughing fit. A process of taking blood which should take less than a minute can take up to five. I will be fine, sitting there calm and collected. When my name is called, I feel the blood rush, light headedness, then the giggle moving from my throat to my mouth. I clinch my jaw to ckeep it in but it explodes out even when I try to cover my mouth. Lab techs have mistaken this hysteria for crying or fear and when they look at my face they see a mixture of laughing, distress and now tears and when I try to teel them to just DO IT, TAKE THE BLOOD, DON'T MIND ME it just sounds like a deranged woman. My husband stands by shaking his head is embarrassment. As soon as they tape the cotton ball over the place where they drew the blood, INSTANTANEOUSLY I am back to being calm and normal.
I have this. :( It's a terrible phobia, and I can't seem to overcome it. I haven't had my blood drawn in over 10 years, and I refuse it whenever I go for an OBGYN appointment. I can't remember the last time I had a shot. I can't explain the fear I feel when I see a needle. I don't think I've ever fainted; it's more of just pure horrifying terror. I know that I will probably die an early death b/c of some disease that I refused to get treated for, but I don't know what to do. Any tips?????
Hi,
I research needle pain. Turns out if you stimulate with other sensations (cold, vibration) that block sharp pain, you can avoid the contrast between the high blood pressure from anxiety and the low blood pressure that being genetically predisposed to fainting causes. I invented a Buzzy, a vibrator with an ice pack that is curved to fit body surfaces and transmit the most blocking, but you could use any cold/vibration source. The nice thing about the vibration is that it's also proven to increase the IV success on the first stick. Google "Buzzy" and you'll find it. Good luck! (PS: if not contraindicated, you could try beta blockers if you have to go in. This won't help the low blood pressure stick part, but may lower the height of the anxiety-driven portion. No data of which I'm aware for this idea.)
I've had this and it's more of a visual thing. I've had tattoos and piercings, but didn't have a problem because I didn't see it when it happened. Syringes, of course, are another story. I've found looking away, playing with your phone and most of all 'BREATHING correctly', keeps me from having problems. I think quite a few people pass out because they hold their breath in anticipation.
I have this as well. It began when I was about 10, in the dentist's chair. I remember feeling sleepy, then I woke up to the dentist and my parents yelling my name. I passed out and stopped breathing.
When I was 18 the same thing happened when I was getting shots to travel over seas. I did not even think about the needle phobia. But, when the nurse got about 4 inches from my skin, I passed out cold. I woke up to paramedics giving me oxygen. They say I had stopped breathing for a full minute and contracted every muscle in my body. I remember how painful my shoulders were when I awoke and the relief I felt when I began to relax.
Recently (Now 32) I had to give about 5 small tubes of blood. I told the nurse that I would pass out. Everything was fine until I stood up to leave, and sure enough I felt it coming on. I did not pass out completely, but my heartbeat dropped way down and I went dizzy/foggy/deaf which always happens to me in this situation. The nurse lifted my legs while I was lying down which helped a lot. This is when I was informed of the vagus nerve. I had never heard of this before. He said is was completely natural and not something I could control.
I have this as well. It began when I was about 10, in the dentist's chair. I remember feeling sleepy, then I woke up to the dentist and my parents yelling my name. I passed out and stopped breathing.
When I was 18 the same thing happened when I was getting shots to travel over seas. I did not even think about the needle phobia. But, when the nurse got about 4 inches from my skin, I passed out cold. I woke up to paramedics giving me oxygen. They say I had stopped breathing for a full minute and contracted every muscle in my body. I remember how painful my shoulders were when I awoke and the relief I felt when I began to relax.
Recently (Now 32) I had to give about 5 small tubes of blood. I told the nurse that I would pass out. Everything was fine until I stood up to leave, and sure enough I felt it coming on. I did not pass out completely, but my heartbeat dropped way down and I went dizzy/foggy/deaf which always happens to me in this situation. The nurse lifted my legs while I was lying down which helped a lot. This is when I was informed of the vagus nerve. I had never heard of this before. He said is was completely natural and not something I could control.
It's good that this is a recognized condition (now). So many have suffered from this, and it has a real reason, not just a drama play. On the other hand, there are some who enjoy the drama, but that's true of about anything. I don't know if there's anything science can really do to help, but I agree that lying down, and getting up slowly should help. At least if you faint while laying down, you don't have near as far to fall! Best wished to all.
Zapper - I agree with you. Some doctors don't believe me when I tell them I will pass out. They think I am begin a "baby" about the whole thing but I have a really low tolerance for pain and a really big fear of blood and needles.I think it may also have something to do with being a red-head as well.
chth, I had an earlier post, where I listed relatives with this reaction. All of them--FIL, husband, niece, daughter--are indeed redheads, as is the mother of the niece (husband's sister), and she is also needle-shy. Can't even describe a medical procedure in their presence(s), they will keel over. Only the kid with epilepsy is not afraid of needles, and she has very light blonde hair, no red or freckles. The rest of them have strawberry-freckle faces. Might be on to something here, still a very interesting thread.
About 3% of the population has this. We have found studying Buzzy for immunizations that the combination of cold and vibration does seem to block the fainting response. There are several scales that measure the sensations of nausea and pain. Hopefully after this round of studies we can get funding to specifically test Buzzy's effectiveness at blocking the vasovagal fainting response. So far no one has fainted with Buzzy. Please email us at info@mmjlabs.com if you have any insight or have tried Buzzy to block fainting: pro or con.
For me it started with needles and getting blood drawn. Then it was passing out at movies if the violence was too graphic. I haven't been to a movie theater to watch anything other than PG-rated movies for the past 3 years. Then it got even worse ... I am passing out if people talk about a serious injury in too much detail. This is terrible!!! The problem is that there is not much info out there about this condition and people look at you funny if you tell them you have a vasovagal syncope triggered by blood or injury phobia. :(
I am exactly the same way! There are several medical people in my family who have no problem talking about the gruesomeness of their jobs. I have to remind them that they'll have a medical case on their hands if they keep going. I've even caused myself to faint just by thinking of something dreadful. That was embarrassing because I was on a bus, which had to stop and call an ambulance.
I have also passed out having my eyes dilated. All this was a major pain but after 10 years of allergy shots I'm cured!
I had a really bad experience with needles when I was 7 years old, in which the doctor was trying to inject dye into my kidneys and I had to be held down by a team of doctors and it has affected me all of these years (I'm 45 now). I try so hard to avoid blood tests and shots at all costs. I have found that when I do have to have a blood test, I ask if I can lay down so I don't have the feeling of passing out. I can't even watch movies that are bloody because I feel like I am going to pass out. The minute I see a needle, I ask "Isn't there a pill I can take?"
This is SO my family! My dad, a definite man's man, was like this about needles. My sisters and I all have a very easily tipped off faint reaction. Although none of us is squeemish at all about blood or seeing needles or anything else, the second something foreign is poked into our bodies (changing earrings for the first time was an experience!! or trying contacts, or shots, a mole removal, a bad cut while shaving, etc.), even if it doesn't hurt, this happens. I describe it as a physical reaction unmotivated by fear, because I'm truly NOT afraid and don't even see/feel what's going on for some of it. After discovering a weird health thing about myself, I no longer pass out when I get shots... I guess getting so many of them made me used to it. Things that help: Lying down or being reclined during or just after the event, focusing on breathing, making sure you've eaten/had enough water before hand, telling people it's a possibility, and taking your time after the event to sit and let your body calm down, which is sometimes a good 15 minutes!
At all vacinations in the Army or Marines they have to have cots set up for the macho men that will pass out.
What a relief to know I'm not the only one! I have a blood and needle phobia. The first time I can remember fainting I was 4-5 years old, at the movies with my family, watching a bw movie. The woman in the movie had just been shot, she fell on the carpet and blood oozed from her mouth. I fainted then. Until I was about 33, I'd fainted at least once a year, but the frequency started peetering out as I got older. I've fainted from watching something on tv/movies 3-4 times, when I got my ears pierced, when I got my contact lenses, my period and my first sexual experience. I've fainted when I thought my sister was getting a shot at the dentist.
The last time I fainted was 6 years ago after having my second child - I was tired, lost a bit of blood and was trying to go potty on the toilet. When I was 16 I had to have surgery. I had to have my own blood drawn for the transfusion. The doctor had to give me Valium to calm me down enough to be able to sit there and have the blood drawn. When I had to take my kids in for vaccinations, I'd hold them, but turn my head away - I sweated through the whole thing. Now my husband has to take them in if they need shots because I don't think it's good for them to see me being nervous. With our new dog, I ask the vet to give him the shot in another room.
I did try therapy at one time, but the person I saw didn't understand my phobia, and tried to tie it into some kind of primeval coping strategy. It made no sense to me.
I'm not over this fear, but I'm learning to manage it better - telling people is the biggest help just before a shot or having blood drawn. Even more help is when they accept it and believe me. Just before that surgery when I was 16, they had to draw some blood. I told the technician I'd faint. He didn't believe me and told me that I wouldn't. Well, that made it worse because he made me feel like something was wrong with me. Now if I have to have a shot or blood taken, I tell the person and I insist that I lie down. I turn my head away and tell them not to tell me when it's going to happen. The anticipation is dreadful too, even for 1/2 a second. They prefer that so I don't faint on their watch too!
Strangely, having an IV put in doesn't bother me in the same way as needles. I don't like it, but I don't feel the fear or dread either.
My entire family has a vasovagal response to needles. I've learned several things that usually work when needles are involved. 1.) lay down. It doesn't matter what the nurse thinks, just do it. 2.) don't watch. This should be a given. 3.) have the nurse question you during the process and change the subject quickly so that your brain can't focus on the event. I've found that if my brain is being stimulated and I have to concentrate to keep up with the conversation, I am much less likely to faint.
Oh, as far as I know, I'm the only one in my family that has this condition.
You cannot inherit a phobia, but you can mimic behaviors. Often, as stated this runs in famlies, as parents and others close to the child demonstrate this irrational fear. The child observes and internalizes these reactions and the manifestation continues into the next generation. This is strictly a mental
disorderand can be overcome with desensitation therapy and exposure to the sourse of the phobia..There may be some truth that there is some inherited piece, My mother had the conditions as I did. My daughter never was aware that I used to pass out before she was born, but she has the same problem.
Or maybe we're not really talking about a phobia in the case of those who faint . . .