Belonephobia: Do you have it?

As weird as it sounds, it’s the fancy name for phobia of needles. I am terrified of them. I read articles on how it only affects on average 3-10% of the population. Studies also conclude that it is a phobia brought on during childhood and fades after adolescence. I remember putting up a fight when I had my routine vaccinations as a child, but that seemed normal for any child to do. But now it’s just frightening to me. If there is a discussion of needles and donating blood, I start cringing and my skin crawls.

It may seem like a horrible excuse, but I will not give blood because I am so uncomfortable by needles. It is not to say I would never do it, I would give any part of me to help people. I am just so grossed out and terrified by the thought of a needle poking into me. Blood is no issue in this case, just the needle.

I manage to get myself so worked up that I nearly faint, and I end up very dizzy and light-headed after a vaccine. I have never gotten a flu shot because of my phobia. I risk getting sick over getting a shot, it’s not a life or death situation but it seems silly that I would have to contemplate on a vaccine that will keep me healthy.

Am I alone?