One of the most common phobias is belonephobia, which corresponds to the fear of needles. Almost no one likes to have a hard time and punctures can be very unpleasant. Therefore, it is normal to develop some rejection of needles. But when this becomes an uncontrollable fear, we must speak of belonephobia.
What is belonephobia?
As we have explained to you, belonephobia is the irrational fear of needles. And, in general, all those objects that can cause some type of wound under the skin are also included: razors, knives, saws, syringes, etc. Due to the type of phobic stimulus that is contemplated, many children experience these fears.
It is a specific phobic disorder, that is, it occurs when the patient somehow confronts what causes fear. This phobia is often related to the fear of blood, injuries or diseases.
Why do I have belonephobia?
The causes of belonephobia can be very varied but they all have something in common: that they have ended up producing an uncontrollable terror of needles. In most cases, fear of needles begins by association with something bad.
In many cases you have to look back to find the roots that caused the fear of needles. Many people develop this fear in childhood, after an episode that caused some kind of trauma. For example, a painful experience with a test can cause a fear of needles.
On the other hand, there are experts on the subject who assure that phobias can be learned over time.
The symptoms of belonephobia
Belonephobia is a disorder that occurs when the person who suffers from it faces what they are afraid of. In this way, symptoms occur when exposed to needles. In some cases, it can also occur when the patient imagines something sharp or that can inflict damage on the skin.
These are some of the most frequent symptoms, although they are not the only ones. Some patients do not get to suffer all the symptoms.
- Cognitive symptoms of belonephobia
They feel anxiety. People who suffer from this irrational fear of needles feel great anxiety. The nerves take over themselves, which has physical consequences.
They cannot control their thoughts. Although many of them are aware that they have no reason to be afraid of needles, they are unable to control their thoughts. They themselves build a maelstrom of negative thoughts that begins to engulf their rationality.
They are unable to concentrate. Because they are a nervous and anxious bundle, they are unable to focus on anything other than their fear of needles.
They suffer a lot of confusion.
- Patients change their behavior
Belonephobia, in its highest degree, can change the way of being and acting of the people who suffer from it.
They will avoid everything that supposes the possibility of facing the needles. For example, they will stop going to the doctor, with the damage to health that this could entail.
In the most serious cases, they could lock themselves up at home so as not to run the risk of falling ill and that this means going to the doctor.
There are patients who suffer a lot from this phobia who can develop symptoms of depression.
The symptoms related to fear can become panic attacks.
- Physical symptoms of this phobia
Most of the physical symptoms associated with belonephobia are related to the anxiety associated with it.
excessive sweating
Dizziness and nausea.
Headache or stomach ache.
Muscle seizing.
Feeling of not being able to breathe and even fainting.
The most common fears related to belonephobia
- Belonephobia goes beyond the fear of needles. This type of phobia includes other related fears that usually develop around the fear of needles. These are some of the most common fears felt by people with belonephobia.
- Fear of seeing or feeling contact with a needle. In some cases, they can’t stand even watching a needle appear on TV.
- Fear at the idea of having to face nurses, doctors or dentists.
- Repulsion to everything related to hospitals: their sight, their smell, etc.
- Phobia to develop diseases in case they require some type of injection.
- Fear of having to undergo some kind of surgery.
- Phobia of sharp objects that may resemble needles: pins, saws, broken glass, scalpels, etc.
Tips to overcome belonephobia
- There will be patients who feel capable of overcoming this fear of needles on their own, but others will need to see an expert. This specialist is the best support to overcome this paralyzing anxiety before a sharp object. And, despite how common this type of phobia is, the treatments are usually very effective.
- The treatment to overcome this type of specific phobias is cognitive behavioral therapy including relaxation techniques. It is about patients learning the appropriate skills to know how to face what they are afraid of. On the other hand, relaxation will offer you the keys to control your nerves when the time comes for exposure.
- It is possible that, once the techniques have been acquired, the psychologist confronts the patient with the needles to overcome the phobia. If you think you could suffer from this phobia, do not hesitate to go to a professional to help you overcome your fears.
- Are you afraid of needles? Tell us how you are trying to overcome it and you will help other people who also suffer from belonephobia.