Getting Over Your Fear of Needles

Many first-time donors come to their donation with a fear of needles but most find that the donation process is easy and relatively painless. Here are some tips to help you make it through your donation and overcome a fear of needles.

Know What to Expect

Make yourself familiar with the blood donation process – this will help you feel prepared for each step. And feel free to ask questions if you want to learn more.

Share Your Fear

Let the person drawing your blood know you are fearful. She/he can do their best to minimize your discomfort by distracting you with conversation.

Bring Moral Support

Many donors enjoy donating with a friend, both for the moral support and for celebrating the good they’ve done together.

Realize That the Pain Will Be Over in an Instant

You will feel just a slight pinch, and it’s over in seconds. Focus on the lives you may be helping to save by donating blood. By giving a single pint of blood, you may help save as many as three lives. The difference you can make may last a lifetime, unlike the discomfort.

Reward Yourself

Even small steps deserve rewards. If you go to a blood donor center appointment you normally would have skipped due to needle fear, make sure you reward yourself for going. When you get a blood draw make it truly worth it by rewarding yourself with something special. Over time, you may begin to associate the needle with a reward, not with pain or fear.