Imagine there was a way to replenish your body’s levels of hydration and nutrients rapidly faster than through drinking water or taking vitamin supplements alone. If such a thing existed, surely everyone would be jumping at the chance to try it, right? Well, there’s no need to imagine, because intravenous (IV) therapy is a real, effective way to deliver essential vitamins and nutrients right to your bloodstream. Unfortunately for some, the fear of needles prohibits them from seeking out IV therapy as an option to remedy many common everyday ailments and symptoms of chronic diseases. Let’s talk about what causes a fear of needles, the symptoms, and steps you can take to reduce or resolve your phobia.
What is a Fear of Needles Called?
A needle phobia is an extreme fear of needles or of receiving injections. It’s also called trypanophobia. Needle phobias are relatively common, affecting up to 10% of people.
What are the Symptoms of a Fear of Needles?
People with a needle phobia may experience a range of symptoms when they see or think about needles. These can include:
- Sweating
- Increased heart rate
- Shortness of breath
- Shaking
- Dizziness
- Nausea or vomiting
- In some cases, people may faint at the sight of needles
What Causes a Fear of Needles?
A needle phobia can be caused by a traumatic event, such as a bad experience with injections or blood tests. It can also be a learned response, if you’ve seen someone else have a negative reaction to needles.
How Do I Get Over My Fear of Needles?
If you have a fear of needles, there are some things that you can do to overcome this:
- First, it is important to understand that needles are not always bad. In fact, they can be used for many different things, such as taking blood or getting vaccinations. Understanding this can help to ease your fears.
- Second, it can be helpful to talk to someone who has experience with needles, such as one of Liquid Mobile IV’s licensed nurses. This can help you to see that they are not as bad as you may think. Additionally, it can help to get more information about needles and how they work. This can also help to ease your fears.
- Third, it is important to slowly exposure yourself to needles. This means that you should start by looking at pictures or videos of needles. Then, you can move on to safely touching a needle or even getting a small injection. Doing this slowly can help you to overcome your fear.
- Finally, it is important to seek professional help if your fear of needles is severe. Many people who have a phobia of needles cannot overcome it on their own. If you feel like you need professional help, there are many resources available.
There are other avenues you can explore to overcome a fear of needles, including:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT is a type of therapy that can help you change the way you think about and react to needles
- Exposure therapy: This is a type of CBT that involves gradually exposing yourself to needles in a safe and controlled environment, with the help of a mental health professional
- Relaxation techniques: These can help you control your anxiety response to needles
- Medications: In some cases, your doctor may prescribe medications to help manage your anxiety
Can I Receive IV Therapy if I Have a Fear of Needles?
IV therapy is a safe, effective option for most people looking to boost their health and wellness. Learn more about the benefits and risks of IV therapy.
Our team of licensed, registered nurses at Liquid Mobile IV are dedicated to ensuring you’re as comfortable as possible when receiving an IV infusion. When someone with a fear of needles has to have an IV or injection administered, it is often helpful to have someone there to comfort them. We take great pride in the expertise of our nursing staff, who are equipped and ready to assist any patient needs.
When booking your IV therapy appointment, talk to your nurse about any fears or anxieties you have about needles or receiving IV therapy. We are happy to assist and accommodate your needs to get you feeling your best.