Advice on being more calm while getting blood taken?

[helplessdancer]

I have to get a blood test next week, and I'm not particularly worried about the results, it's more actually getting the test done. I can't stand the thought of the needle taking my blood (I'm ok with shots though usually) and every time I've had a blood test before, I've nearly passed out and had to lay on the floor for a while until I felt better. I thought it was just from losing blood, but my doctor said you have to lose much more than that to feel the effects, so I must be more freaked out by it than I thought.

Anyway, does anyone have any tips about feeling less nervous getting a blood test? I hope this is the right section to ask under, but I figured that other people who worry about their health get blood tests frequently.

[Tauntaun]

I have this same issue and i have started using deep breathing as a way to keep calm, I also talk to the person thats drawing the blood to help with distraction.

[vardnas]

I agree with Tauntaun. I find that simply talking to the phlebotomist as they're prepping for the draw and during the draw helps to distract me. I also tend to bury my head in my elbow so I don't have to look at what's happening.

[bertybotts]

I LOVE blood tests. I'll take it for you! Haha. I love to watch the needle, watch it come into the vial, watch them prepare... etc. Totally a fun experience for me.


If not so for you, put in your iPod or music player. Play your fav song. Or think about some awesome memory you have. Look out the window. Hold your breath, then BIG SIGH!! Or you can try bringing in an object with you, like a stress ball to squeeze.
Honestly, unless you are watching blood gush into the vial, you only feel a pinch. It's like "hm something pinched me. Odd." It is over before you know it. Really.

[helplessdancer]

Thanks for the tips everyone. I will try to distract myself from what's really happening, hopefully it will help! So far every time I've visited this doctor's office everyone has been quite nice, so maybe the phlebotomist will understand my fears and be able to make it less stressful. I'll let you know how I get on. :)

[oregoncoastlady]

I used to get this way. I would get woozy. Now I deep breathe, close my eyes, and cover my ear with my free fingers and hum to myself. Basically I distract the heck out of myself and it is over in no time. I don't get woozy anymore. I know it sounds goofy, but it works for me.

[BellaLuna]

This may sound weird but it works! My CBT therapist gave me this tip for when I'm waiting in line or anything that usually causes me to panic. Look around the room and focus on an object. For example a CLOCK. Then spell the word backwards.. K-C-O-L-C (sounds easy but it's much harder when your anxious)! I did this last week when I had to get my blood drawn and by the third word it was all over with! Helped me sooo much as I usually panic bad when doing anything medical related. :)

[helplessdancer]

Update:

Just got back from having the test done and it went fine. Sadly, I was so panicked last night about it that I hardly slept and was even considering just skipping the test until I realized I wouldn't be able to go to the next date for walk ins because I would be in classes.

Thankfully the woman taking my blood was very nice and it was all over so quickly! I didn't even have time to panic from when I felt a pinch to when she said it was all done. I did feel a bit faint afterwards, but after sitting for a couple of minutes and having some water I felt fine. Now if I can just get my body to relax and understand it's over now haha