Don't Fear the Needle

Are you nervous about needles? You aren't alone. But there are things you can do to eliminate that fear. The most important step is to identify the real source of your anxiety. Is it the actual pain of a needle or the fear of seeing the injection?

Here are a few tips to help you conquer your anxieties and get back to living. Use ultra-fine needles. The smaller needles coated with silicone can make the process painless for some.

Practice relaxation exercises like deep breathing and meditation. These skills provide the confidence needed to make the injection less painful.

Try injecting other parts of the body to see what works best for you. Alternate sites like your thigh or stomach could be less painful.

Look into devices like pens or pumps. Cartridge pens have thinner, shorter needles than syringes and you can't see the needle before it's inserted.

Insulin pumps eliminate the need for daily individual injections. Fewer needles, less fear.

Whatever methods or devices you choose, sharpening your knowledge on what works for you can dull the anxiety and take the sting out of needles.