Terrified of needles? Experts give tips on how to face your fears
Experts say overcoming a fear of needles is like climbing a ladder, you do it one rung at a time.
Talk of vaccinations has been everywhere the last few months and for some, the idea of getting the needle is overwhelming.
The president of Doctors Nova Scotia says in some cases, just the thought of the injection is the foundation of the phobia.
"It's not always the concept of pain that is problematic," Dr. Robyn MacQuarrie says.
However, there are some methods that can make the process a little more comfortable.
"Having headphones, looking away, not paying attention, trying to avoid looking at the needle, watching it being prepared," says McQuarrie.
MacQuarrie says desensitization can work for some, but showing someone videos of injections can have an undesirable effect.
"It needs to be done in the right way. Desensitization done poorly can actually make the phobia worse," says McQuarrie.
Statistic show one in 10 people have a needle phobia.
When dealing with youth and younger adults, familiarity can be a big help.
Mary-Beth Rowe is the COVID-19 clinic manager at the IWK hospital in Halifax.
Rowe says those who are administering the shot have been given some training on how to talk to the individual getting the needle.
There are also isolation areas within the clinic for those who want to use them.
"The COVID vaccine really isn’t any different than any other childhood vaccine that’s out there. The process is the same," says Rowe.
"Depending on the level of anxiety that the youth may have, we do have the ability that we could immunize them in an office so there is a little bit quieter environment."
Rowe recommends letting the person who is giving the needle know about the phobia and the potential reaction because overcoming the fear of the needle is a team effort.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW From yearning for a change to cost of living, why some Canadians have left or may leave the country
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
NEW Capital gains tax change 'shortsighted' and 'sows division' business groups tell Freeland
Forging ahead with increasing Canada's capital gains inclusion rate 'sows division,' and is a 'shortsighted' way to improve the deficit, business groups are warning Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.
Defence attacks Stormy Daniels' credibility as she returns to the stand in Trump's hush money trial
Stormy Daniels will return to the witness stand Thursday in Donald Trump's hush money trial as the defence tries to undermine the credibility of the porn actor's salacious testimony about their alleged sexual encounter and the money she was paid to keep quiet.
With contactless screening tech, this Toronto startup hopes to catch breast cancer early — and save lives
Amid evidence of rising breast cancer rates among young women in Canada, one Toronto startup is offering a contactless and radiation-free device that can help doctors identify suspicious changes in breast tissue. The company, Linda Lifetech, says this can lead to earlier detection of breast cancer.
Tornadoes tear through southeastern U.S. as storms leave 3 dead
Forecasters warned a wave of dangerous storms in the U.S. could wash over parts of the South early Thursday, a day after severe weather with damaging tornadoes and large hail killed at least three people in the region.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.