Trypanophobia can be debilitating, but it is treatable.
Approximately 10 percent of people in the U.S. have a fear of needles, also known as trypanophobia. That is over 33 million people. That percentage may even be as high as 24 percent (Taddio, et al. 2012). There is a stigma associated with reporting a fear of needles, which may lead to underreporting. If you have trypanophobia, you are not alone. A few of my clients have cited a fear of needles as why they have not received the Covid-19 vaccine. They have also expressed that they feel embarrassed to bring this up, as they have been ridiculed in the past about their fear. Many people who have trypanophobia have been told they need to “toughen up” or “stop being a baby” about getting shots or having blood drawn. However, trypanophobia is a genuine phobia and needs to be taken seriously. It has prevented people from being able to access the medical treatment they need. Luckily there are treatments available— both immediate and long-term.
