Those of you familiar with me, especially through social media, know I am really just one giant ball of anxiety. So I guess it comes as no surprise that I am not a fan of needles, even though I know it is super important to get vaxxed. Recently, I finished getting my second Covid shot, and I wanted to share my experience with those of you who may also be hesitating because of needle anxiety.
This post is made possible with support from the Meg Foundation. All opinions are my own.
“Oh…it’s just a little needle”
If you are not a fan of getting shots, I am sure you have heard that line before!
As much as I would love a tattoo, the whole idea of needles is what keeps me from doing it every single time. I am not a big fan of needles. In fact, when I had my baby in October, I had the nurses jab me all at once with my flu shot and Tdap because I just wanted it over and done. They were great about it though. They asked me some questions about the baby and caught me unaware. It totally worked for me because it got my mind off what they were doing.
In that instance, I was already in the hospital. There wasn’t a lot of planning ahead. Therefore, it was a lot easier for me to not overthink the situation. Also, let’s face it, I was totally sleep-deprived as well.
Planning for my Covid shot was a bit different. However, here’s how I got myself ready for it!
Think Plan Go
The saying “action is the enemy of anxiety” is absolutely true. However, getting into action with anxiety can be difficult. That is where having a good plan comes in handy.
For me, I involved my husband in my plan. He helped me get my vaccination scheduled. He also came with me to both appointments for moral support. The person giving the shot seemed to sense my anxiety and actually kept me busy talking to distract me both times as I received my shot. I also made sure that I kept hydrated as it is super important, not only for getting poked but for dealing with any side effects from getting a vaccination.
However, if planning is hard for you, there are some fabulous resources from The Meg Foundation to help you formulate your own plan at their Hack the Vax site!
The Wrap Up
If your fear of needles is what’s keeping you from getting vaxxed, just know you aren’t alone. In fact, 25% of adults have a fear of needles! Just remember to think, plan, and go get your shot without fear. And if you found this post helpful, pass on these techniques. You never know when someone else is feeling nervous.
Also, if you have some tips that have helped you, please feel free to share them in the comments below. That way, we can all help each other!
I’m starting to realize I have a lot of anxiety about many things, that I have to find ways to coax myself with strategies. I feel for you about the needles, esp for me, having blood taken. I can pass out at the thought, and invariably pass out when it is done. I have thought to myself almost every single encouragement online social media etc. has a picture of a person getting a shot – over and over, that would hype up the anxiety level for those who have panic and anxiety about it. YEAHH!! and CONGRATS!!!! for getting your Covid shots, also the flu and TDAP!!! Hopefully knowing what can alleviate anxiety in one setting can help to know what will be effective in other situations that can really start the anxiety. It is hard to willfully bring myself to do many things, that make it hard, I don’t have someone to go with me, or sit by me for those times, you are blessed for that, and a great OVERCOMER!! Even though it is for each time, to overcome, not once and done forever! Each time requires a “gulp” and a strategy!!!
Anxiety really stinks, and it definitely complicates doing things. I am sorry you don’t have someone to go with you. When I was younger, I used to have to do these things alone and it was not easy. I am hoping that sharing my story and about the initiative, it will help normalize the anxiety and help others plan 🙂
I agree that anxiety is the pits!
I don’t think I have a fear of needles but there is no way I am going to watch them stick it in me. Sleeve up head turned the other way and I will continue to talk but no watching.