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I have had Hematophobia or Hemophobia as long as I can remember every time I see or even think about blood I start sweating my heart rate gets extremely rapid my vision gets blurred, I start feeling like I'm going to be sick. To the best of my knowledge I've only fainted once.

How do I overcome this phobia?

What phobias do you have?

EDIT: I have the chance to do a first aid course but I'm not sure if its a smart idea, first aid would be a useful thing to know but I'm not sure I can do it.

asked Aug 22 '10 at 22:27

markd12's gravatar image

markd12
3.5k86112150

edited Dec 28 '10 at 21:28

Why? Are you plannng on killing somebody or something?

(Aug 23 '10 at 13:58) AppleHack23 AppleHack23's gravatar image

There are a lot of perfectly normal, non-homicidal reasons a person might want to be able to remain upright and coherent in the presence of blood. He might want to go into healthcare, he might plan to have a child someday and be (somewhat) prepared for the inevitable scrapes & other injuries kids manage to sustain sometimes, etc.

(Aug 23 '10 at 14:13) ageekmom ♦ ageekmom's gravatar image
3

It would be great to be still standing after getting a paper cut.

(Aug 23 '10 at 16:23) markd12 markd12's gravatar image

In my experience, the only way to get over your fears (phobias) is to face them head on. You just have to remember it's all in your mind, the bloods not going to do anything to you...it's subconscious. So i guess i would say the way to get over a phobia of blood is just to put mind over matter.

answered Aug 22 '10 at 23:08

Phoenix7's gravatar image

Phoenix7
2.3k507593

The problem with facing it head on is that after a few minutes I can't see very well.

(Aug 23 '10 at 13:41) markd12 markd12's gravatar image

That's probably because you will start to faint.

(Aug 23 '10 at 14:08) Mihkel Mihkel's gravatar image

You have vision and fainting problems because your brain is lacking oxygen. Focusing on your breathing in situations that trigger a phobia can help keep your brain oxygenated and functioning more clearly and properly.

(Aug 23 '10 at 14:14) ageekmom ♦ ageekmom's gravatar image
2

know that I think about it, I always start felling better when I get some fresh air.

(Aug 23 '10 at 14:22) markd12 markd12's gravatar image

Therapy for phobias is probably your most effective choice. After getting to any root cause of your phobia, you are carefully and slowly exposed to various pictures and experiences of the thing you are afraid of until you can tolerate it. You are also taught ways to control your breathing, thoughts, and to "self-soothe" during the most noxious part of your fear. It is a well documented form of therapy, and I have used it on some of my clients.

answered Aug 23 '10 at 18:48

VideoNurse's gravatar image

VideoNurse
1.3k243948

Mark. I have the same issue and I've actually been in prehospital health care for 24 years. It's basically referred to as Vasovagal Syncope. My mindset on the scene is totally towards patient care so I don't THINK (key word) about it. Watching videos for training is a whole different story. I was actually on beta blockers for a while and seemed to help if you don't mind being in a different world. Basically your body is reacting to a form of shock. Your blood pressure suddenly rises and your system is trying to calm it. Think of seeing black spots when you stand up too fast. You get warm and sometimes clammy from the increase. You feel better from fresh air because it's cooler however you're still prone to faint. The best thing to do is control your breathing, find a place to sit if you're feeling weak and of course get fresh air if you have the strength. It's very common for people to react this way, a lot more common than health care providers realized in the past. Take the course. You'll learn a considerable amount about shock and the body's reaction to certain injuries. Hope this helps.

answered Dec 28 '10 at 21:45

David's gravatar image

David
3.3k112062

edited Dec 28 '10 at 21:48

Thanks for the advice

(Dec 29 '10 at 01:43) markd12 markd12's gravatar image

Did you ever tried hypnosis? A hypnotist can help you overcome your fear slowly and in a safe way you should be able to find one in the yellow pages for one in your neighborhood.

answered Aug 23 '10 at 13:43

Elyne's gravatar image

Elyne
1.1k31224

I don't know someone messing with your head....

(Aug 23 '10 at 14:55) markd12 markd12's gravatar image

I personally don't got any fears. When I see blood I'm perfectly calm. As some said a psychologist would probably help you get over it.

answered Aug 23 '10 at 14:10

Mihkel's gravatar image

Mihkel
4.6k3656114

I definitely have acrophobia. For those who don't know that is an extreme fear of heights.

answered Aug 30 '10 at 17:24

showbizpizzablog's gravatar image

showbizpizzablog
60131621

don't look down ....

(Aug 30 '10 at 17:35) markd12 markd12's gravatar image
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Asked: Aug 22 '10 at 22:27

Seen: 2,254 times

Last updated: Dec 29 '10 at 01:43