As someone who has struggled with weight for much of my life, I’ve tried countless diets, only to face the frustration of yo-yoing back and forth. After having two kids and entering perimenopause, it became even harder to lose weight. That’s when I decided to make a change and try Ozempic, a GLP-1 medication for weight loss. But there was one major hurdle: my overwhelming fear of needles.
I’m sure many others considering these injections might feel the same way. But I’m here to say this: overcoming my fear was possible, and so can you. Here’s how I did it.
How It All Started: My Fear of Needles
I’ve always been squeamish, but my fear of needles truly began when I donated blood for the first time at 19. What seemed like a simple act turned into a terrifying experience. As the needle approached, I felt my heart race, my vision blur, and a wave of nausea washed over me. I watched as the needle pierced my skin and filled the tube with blood. That moment left me with a lifelong fear of needles, or trypanophobia.
While others routinely went for flu shots or blood tests, I would delay or avoid them at all costs. The thought of injections was terrifying, so the idea of starting Ozempic—despite its potential benefits—was daunting. But my discomfort with my body and my struggle to stay healthy pushed me to face my fear. I wanted to feel better, lose weight, and improve my quality of life. So, I decided to give it a try.
How It’s Going: Overcoming the Fear of Injections
The first injection was incredibly difficult. The needle is very small, but it still felt like a huge obstacle. I spent over an hour psyching myself up for it. Despite being the one to administer it, I was still terrified. The lead-up was almost worse than the shot itself. However, once I took the plunge and injected the medication, I was surprised. It didn’t hurt at all. The needle was so thin, I barely felt it. The only tricky part was holding the shot in until the medicine was fully delivered, which only took a few seconds.
By week eight, I had become much more comfortable with the process. It wasn’t easy at first, but each injection became easier, and now I do it without any fear. The results speak for themselves—my weight loss journey is going strong, and I’m feeling healthier than ever.
How to Overcome a Fear of Needles and Start Ozempic
If you’re like me and fear needles, you’re not alone. Up to 30% of people share this fear. But the good news is, there are ways to cope, and here are a few tips that helped me and may help you too:
1. Breathing Exercises:
Before taking the shot, I found it helpful to do a few deep breathing exercises. I would take a deep breath in through my nose, hold it for 10 seconds, then exhale slowly. I repeated this three times to calm myself down. Relaxing my face and jaw muscles while preparing for the injection also helped ease my anxiety.
2. Vibration:
This technique actually works! Pediatricians use this method with children who fear needles. You use a vibrating object—like the base of an electric toothbrush—and place it near the injection site. The vibration distracts your brain, so it focuses on that sensation instead of the shot itself.
3. Distractions:
During the injection, it helped me to focus on something else. Whether it was thinking about something exciting, funny, or positive, distracting my brain kept my anxiety in check. The more I focused on non-needle-related thoughts, the less the needle seemed to matter.
4. A Helping Hand:
If you’re still feeling unsure, don’t hesitate to ask someone to help you. Having a partner or friend present—whether to administer the shot or simply to hold your hand—can provide emotional support and make the process feel less intimidating.
You’ve Got This!
While my fear of needles hasn’t completely vanished, I can confidently say that taking my weight loss injections is no longer as difficult as I once imagined. The key is to find a method that works for you, whether it’s breathing exercises, distraction, or a supportive friend. It gets easier with time. And once you realize how worth it the process is, the fear fades away. The results—improved health, weight loss, and feeling better—make it all worth overcoming your fear.
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