Can people change from their fear of blood?

Question

I'm a very squeamish (teenager) when it comes to blood or anything icky... But I would like to work in the medical field which I know requires working with blood and bodies. Does anyone know or have experienced a change of being scared of something like blood and getting used to it? ANY info on good careers in medical field would also be useful... thanks

Answer 1

There are many medical fields in which you can work without having to deal with the blood and guts, pun intended.  Radiology, in particular, is very lucrative these days.

But if you want to get messy in medicine, you'll obviously still want to overcome your fear.  There's a whole gamut of things you can try.  Some people can be influenced through hypnotism sessions, therapy, or actually experiencing the gore.  For me, a very traumatic physical injury did it for me.  I had my skull fractured and required 15 stitches, and I thought to myself "This really isn't that bad, though I would like some anesthetic."  I've also been shot in the face (nothing disgustingly disfiguring, just a small flesh wound), which I think greatly allayed my disgust over blood.

Answer 2

I suppose with repeated exposure to it and learning about how brilliant this substance is, one may overcome a fear of it.

Answer 3

Generally, "squeamishness" is a physiological response.  You get nauseous, dizzy, shaky, cold?  If this is the case, a physiological solution is best.  Research breathing and relaxation exercises.  If this doesn't help, over time, repeated experience with human bodies will allow you to see them as parts, not people.  You might want to get a self-help book like "10 Steps to Overcoming Fear" from the library.

If not, you could always become a nutritionist or a radiologist...or lab technician.

Answer 4

Hmm maybe you should focus on the beauty of the gore. Sounds quite odd I do admit, but really think of the body's function and its mechanics.

Maybe if you understood it more (with increased exposure and education), you'll grow to get over the fear from what you see and actually enjoy working with functions of life, which is quite beautiful.

Appreciation should help. You shouldn't desensitize yourself and think of the body as only parts, because then you'll neglect that you are dealing with humans. That's important especially in medicine. I wouldn't want to know that all a doctor sees in me is just parts. I'd feel like a machine (even though technically, we are without our psyche).

So! Just learn to appreciate! :)

Hope that helps.