How to overcome my anxiety of needles

[Ajwwr8282]

Ok I'm a 15 year old male who has had many shots in life. Not in recent past though. My cousins always talked about fear of needles, and until that time I didn't mind them. Now they are the scariest things. At least I think remember I haven't had a shot recently except for at the dentist. I have readabout passing out when recieving a shot, although would that happen to me since I never have before? Do numbing solutions work? I am scared to death of my next vaccine, so does anyone have any solutions? I suppose reading about 23 recorded deaths from recieving a shot and passing out did mee in. Would anti anxiety medicines work? Thanks much.

[mammo]

You do need to see a psychologist  to address this irrational fear.  We all have them but when it starts to take over like this, it needs to be addressed.  I would think if you could take a shot from your dentist then you can handle any shot!  I really don't think you have to worry about passing out.  Numbing solutions work, but only enough to keep you from feeling the shot.  I have never heard of anyone dying from passing out during a shot.  We pass out because it is our mind's way of handling the intense fear. it shuts us down to re-group, but we wake up and are fine.  Talk this over with your parents so they can get you therapy to learn how to break free of this fear.  Good luck and take care!

[Ajwwr8282]

Do you think my regular family doctor could help? Maybe would he have some insight or refer me to a specialist?

[cj29]

In my opinion, anxiety can manifest itself in all sorts of ways.  I know many people that do not like shots; reading about the 23 people probably didn't help, but that is an EXTREMELY small number considering the millions that receive vaccines/shots....you are more likely to get struck by lightning.  However, in my experience with health anxiety, our fears are not subdued because we are not thinking rationally, but emotionally.  Have you ever considered getting therapy for this?  Talking it over and confronting your fears can really help you do this.

Remember not to get down on yourself with this.  We all have fears...keep us posted!