Is there a cure for venephobia/hemophobia?

Question

I've been struggling with these phobias for about a year now and it just seems to be getting worse and worse...

Venephobia: Irrational fear of veins and arteries.
Hemophobia: Fear of blood.

I don't know anyone who is as disgusted by veins and blood as I am. My parents can't understand why I cry or faint when I look at my own veins or when I accidentally cut myself. I'm fully aware that we NEED blood and veins to live, but I just hate it and I don't know why. Even typing out this question I feel sick just thinking about it all.

I am a female, so obviously I have periods, but for some reason they don't bug me at all. I mean, they do, but not in the same way as falling over and cutting my knee open does...

One of my old friends used to self harm and I tried to be as supportive as I could to her, but every time I looked at her arms I fainted or threw up. I hate the fact that I'm the only one I know with this problem. Everyone treats me like I'm insane but I'm not, I just cannot stand blood.

Does anyone know if there's a genuine cure for these fears? I'm beginning to find it harder and harder every day to cope.

? · Accepted Answer

I'm so sorry this is happening to you. It must be awful for you.

You need to go through a process of learning how to manage the fears. There are therapists who focus on helping people overcome phobias. They'll probably have you do exercises and think about things differently. It's possible to do that work on your own (search amazon for books about overcoming phobias), but based on what you're saying, I think you might need external assistance.

Some people might be afraid of water in pools, but not the ocean. It doesn't seem crazy to me that you're not afraid of your period.

Serene E · Answer

1.  exercise every day
2.  sleep at least 7-8 hours a day.
3. google "inspiritional quotes" on the internet, read 2-3 a day
4.  help other people, animals, old people.  Get outside yourself.
5.  limit social media and computer time to 1-2 hours a day.

Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 
1-800-273-8255 
741741 text line

And so what are you going to do about all of this???? 
options: get out and do volunteer work to help others 
offer to walk neighbor's dogs to get some exericse, 
help others, go see a doctor for help for your anxiety, medication or therapy get involved in a church or other community group 
DON"T stay in your room alone 
DON"T feel this is how you will always feel, that's not true 
DON"T isolate yourself, that's the exact wrong thing to do.

Download the app, CALM.   You need to try some meditation, relaxation.
You also need to google anxiety in teens.  Try to find stuff to help you.  You'll be an adult soon, you can’t hide.  If you need more, go to a doctor, counselor, get meds, therapy.

Anonymous · Answer

See a therapist.

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Is there a cure for venephobia/hemophobia?

3 Answers