How do I overcome my fear of needles?

Needles are either taking something out of our bodies, or they’re putting something into our bodies, and either of these possibilities can be unsettling.

For most of us, however, the benefits outweigh the discomfort. Blood tests help doctors to diagnose a wide range of conditions, which allows them to match patients up with effective treatments. Vaccines play an equally important role in our health by preventing us from catching serious illnesses.

That’s why we’ve outlined some strategies to help you overcome your needle phobia and get the care you need.

Easy steps to help you feel in control

• Wear loose clothing. This will minimise any sense of physical restriction that can contribute to a sense of anxiety. A loose T-shirt will also allow you to easily roll up your sleeve if your health practitioner needs to access your upper arm.

• Bring a friend for moral support. Having a friendly face in the room will help to relieve some of the stress that comes with an unfamiliar environment.

• Practise some relaxation strategies. The NHS provides free resources to help you cope with stressful situations, such as this guide to an easy breathing technique.

• Tell your health practitioner. Needle phobia affects at least one in ten people, that’s 670,000 people in the UK alone; they will have seen other patients who feel the exact same way. They will be able to answer your questions and give you detailed advice on how to cope with your specific procedure.

• Distract yourself. You might be able to have a chat with the health practitioner, or the friend you brought. If not, count to one hundred slowly, to give yourself a task to focus on.

After the appointment

Relax. You did something difficult, and that in itself is an achievement.

Soon, you’ll have the reward of knowing a little bit more about your health, and receiving the treatment you need. You might even already know that you’ve received a vaccine which is protecting you against becoming ill.