I am extremely afraid of needles and shots. HELP!!?

Question

i am 14 yrs old and the last time i have had a shot was about a year ago. I am fully aware of how much im afraid of needles because it has been less than a year that i've gotten my last shot. Does anyone have an alternatives to shots/boosters/vaccines for me? I've tried looking away from the shot, not seeing it, listening to my ipod, being distracted and nothing works. It has gotten to the point where i will not go to the doctors office willingly anymore because of my fear.

Any help?

Answer 1

Well my only advise for you, is what I do to get past needles.

Firstly realize that it's really only a few seconds :P

Don't be tense! It helps to close your eyes, but don't squint, just close.

When it comes down to it, I picture a bee stinging me... I'd rather have a bee sting than a needle, and really, I'd say bees hurt more :P

Important not to be tense, I don't have tips on how to do that, except the realization that it's not a big deal.

Actually trying to ignore it is worse, because you think about it even more by concentrating on what you're ignoring... If that makes sense. Just be relaxed :D!

Answer 2

Honey... Don't try to look for ways around getting a shot... You need to find a way to deal with your PHOBIA.

You should not be THIS AFRAID of a needle... This has gone from dislike to PHOBIA and that means you need help.

If you don't deal with your fear you will allow it to own you... You will give your free will and intelligence over to an irrational fear.

Start looking for ways to get over your phobia before you research how to avoid needles.

Answer 3

Here's what you do.  You think about the MILLION other things that suck worse than getting a little tiny prick in your arm.  Suck it up.  There are les fortunate children all over the world that would KILL you to get their hands on one of those vaccines that would save their life.  Once you realize that a shot is nothing, then it won't scare you.  Be scared of getting hit by car on the way to the store.  Or getting shot in you english class.  Be afraid that the american economy will collapse and turn north america into the 3rd world.  It could all happen.  Worry about the important things, don't sweat the little ****.

Answer 4

This is what I do when I have have an injection. I close my eyes and remain clam and still. This is what I do to brace myself from pain: I pretend that I'm giving birth and that the pain is worth it to have someone I love be alive. They both work! The good thing is that big pain can be blocked and it's not long nor big. This helped me when I once had an emergency surgery without anestesia!!! Good luck!

Answer 5

You might try hypnotherapy to help you with your phobic feelings.

Most shots don't hurt as much as you think they will- excepting Tetanus, which does hurt.  What you have done is worked that situation up into something that now causes you so much fear that you want to avoid it forever.

Try talking to yourself with sayings like-

This is only an emotion, the fear can't hurt me.  It may cause me to feel that way, but it can't. While this emotion is uncomfortable, I can recognize it as just an emotion.  That may help with your fear.  

If it is the anticipation of the shot, rather than the actual getting the shot, perhaps an anti anxiety medication before you go might help you.  Talk to your doctor about it- there may be some suggestions about getting round your fears which could help you out.

Answer 6

um... heres what i do. I am really really Really! scared of needles, i mean with i see that box with the needles i break down and cry. Usually i try to think of my favorite celebrity who i look up 2  and i say this is for you ___

                                               I am 13 lol

Answer 7

Okay, first off unfortunately there is absolutely NO alternative. Getting vaccines and blood drawn are just a part of life. But I had a fear of needles as well, (don't anymore), and this is how I overcame it. This may seem counter-intuitive but watching exactly what they are doing will help quite a bit. If you see whats going down and try to keep an "interested" mindset rather than a "oh **** I'm about to be stabbed in the arm with a needle" mindset you will undoubtably feel less stress and after a couple of times you wont mind at all!! The worst part is the waiting room, the shot really is just a little prick.    

Answer 8

I am around your age and I was just afraid of needles i just bite down on like gum and talk to myself while looking the other way I hope that helps i know its ard I still have problems with drawing blood.

Answer 9

My friend has the same issue she used to have panic attacks every time she went near needles.

You need to understand that without the needles and shots you could get seriously ill seeing as they help you fight diseases and infections. Whats worse: A bit of pain or suffering from a deadly disease?

I know its hard but you need to face your fear

Answer 10

afraid not.  i think they are in the process of developing a new way tho that puts it right into the blood stream with no needle, but until then you'll have to deal with it.

Answer 11

Your 14 , and get over it. Like you have a choice your 14 of not going to the doctors

Answer 12

why are you scared of it. if you think of it this way; you have nothing to lose, and it really doesnt hurt. its just for your own health.

the pain probably lasts from 4-5 seconds. so really dont be scared.