Blood Drug Testing

How can I overcome phobia of blood tests?

I'm having a blood test in a couple of days and the last time I had a blood test was horrible because I nearly fainted. It's not needles im scared of, its where it is (bend of my arm) and the thought of sucking out blood out of my vein! Does any one have any tips to how I can remain calm whilst having a blood test?

Public Comments

1. thats exactly what makes me feel sick about it too, where they take it from in the bend of the arm...eww makes me feel queezy thinking about it.....just take a deep breathe!
2. There are other places from which to take blood. You could request that from whoever is doing the procedure. I just don't look. I can't feel the blood flowing, and it is all over in a few seconds once the needle is in. Try deep breathing and visualizing yourself somewhere relaxing. Good luck.
3. The more you go the less scary it becomes. do not look at what is being done. close your eyes and think of where to go on holiday.
4. face it once.
5. think of bunnies :] they are pretty you have this phobia cause you know what is happening, its on your mind and then you also understand it as something bad. try thinking of it as something nice to do, its something good for your health. and when they will do that, think of something you like or love. dont pay too much attention. dont worry, doctors will do all the work, but you still have to listen to them. my suggestion is that you shouldnt think of it too much. dont think how that thing sucks out your blood. dont think of bad things. think of it as something good.
6. you have my sympathy - I'm the same. I don't mind a cut, the sight of blood doesn't bother me it's as you say the thought. The secret is to lay flat on the examination couch staring at the ceiling, a few deep breaths and try to switch off.......seemed to work for me. Hope this helps
7. yes only the way to cope this problem is deep breath i that situtation.while u take deep breath u'll quite more concentrate on taking breath your mind also focus on that. so, face it and feel it. all the best
8. Snap - I hate it. Ask the doctor for some valium - it definately helps. Do lots of fist clenching so the veins are decent and it's easy to take the blood. Keep warm, drink a hot drink, deep breathe and just keep thinking its only a few seconds. Good Luck x
9. I think this question may have been answered but when I have been for a blood test and watched what they were doing I used to go into a cold sweat and felt as though I was going to pass out. Now I just don't look and I have no problem at all.
10. let the person know how you feel when you go in there use to people with your problem and will help you through it probably they will distract you long enough and it will be over then you can go home and think what was all the bother about and have a nice cup of tea nothing stronger for a while by the time you could memorise what i have said hear it will be over best of luck
11. sit back and relax and just close your eyes and think of soemthing else. it does not hurt and its ok just relax i have done it million times to help someone that is what you maybe doing or finding out what is wrong with you