Fear of needles and injections is common but can be overcome with some simple methods.
Steps
Step 1. Try to relax, the more tense you are, the more painful it will be
Relax your arms and lower your shoulders down. Breathe deeply and focus on your breathing to help you relax.
Step 2. Decide whether you will watch or not
If you see how tiny the needle is and it really helps you overcome your fear, then take a look. If you know that the sight of the needle will excite you even more, then focus on something else in the room.
Step 3. Distract yourself before the injection
Many people focus on the injection, but talking to someone, singing your favorite song quietly, or finding something to bite if possible will all make the injection a little easier.
Step 4. Come up with a positive mantra
Very often, fear is only in your head, so having a positive mantra can reduce the fear. Concentrate on the thought: "This will make me better", "I am much stronger and higher than this - I can do it!"
Step 5. Think about how this shot can help you
Understand why you need to get an injection; you are protecting yourself from something much worse than a simple injection. Which would you prefer: an incurable disease or a 5 second injection?
Step 6. Feel free to cry, many people are afraid of injections
The doctor will understand, and sometimes a little tears can help relieve stress.
Step 7. Bring a friend or family member with you
If you get the shot at school, ask a friend to come and talk with you or hold your hand while the shot is given. Having friends and family with you can help you feel less nervous. If you get vaccinated at the doctor's office, ask a family member to come with you as support.
Step 8. Tell your doctor that you are afraid
If you tell your doctor about your fear, he will be able to advise you on how to relax and think about future benefits.
Step 9. Don't think too much about it, otherwise everything will only seem worse and worse
Try focusing on other things to make you less nervous. Understand, the injection may seem very scary, but in reality it is not so bad. What you imagine in your head is much worse than what will actually be.
Step 10. Remember that everything will happen instantly
There is no need to be afraid. After all, it is a sterile, completely harmless needle. Most people are afraid of pain, but the more you focus on it, the more it hurts.
Step 11. Some common side effects
nausea, dizziness and tiredness. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your school nurse. It is better to have people nearby who will support you if, sitting in the classroom, you feel that you are about to faint.
Advice
- If you are really, really afraid, then try putting ice on your hand before the injection, it will help the skin to numb.
- Take a deep breath, talk to a friend, and don't think about it. Because when you actually get an injection, it will actually be more painful because you've thought too much about it.
- Tell the nurse about your fear, then she will do her best to make it as easy as possible for you.
- You can ask your nurse to give you a cooling cream.
- When the nurse enters the room, focus on her and her confident actions while you think about the pleasant things.
- Listen to quiet music. This will distract you from the needle.
- Breathe slowly and focus on something else. Before you know it, it’s over and you can be proud of yourself.
- Take a deep breath while you are being injected; when you exhale, the injection has already been made.
- Keep in mind that the injection will only last for about one and a half seconds and you will not be hurt more than this time.
- Ask the nurse to bring the needle wrapped in a piece of paper so you won't see the needle at all.
- Bring a plush toy or doll to help you feel protected.
- It is better not to eat before the injection, but you can drink.
Warnings
- Do not hit or yell at the doctor or nurse.
- Don't strain yourself. Straining can lead to bruising.