Hello
You are not abnormal being scared. On the flip side it is mind over matter and that sounds like I'm turning needles into an easy task of overcoming the fear, I'm not at all. But the duration can take a long time to overcome that fear.
For example, I had a fear of blood after working in a jail 48 years ago due to events that happened there. It lasted for 15 years and two things then occurred. 1. I wrote a poems about it and 2. I decided that blood was only red water. I've been totally free of any fear including needles since. eg I say to myself "its only a little prick feeling".
That's the goal to set for yourself. It is no different when a teacher says "you can pass this exam if you focus" and often you will because they encouraged you, so now you are encouraging yourself. It works but dont expect miracles straight away.
I joined the airforce when I was 17yo and overweight and unfit. I couldnt run 200 metres before collapsing. But my boss a corporal that was a Vietnam veteran was tough as nails and if he yelled at you "Tony- run faster catch up to the troop" then I sure did. At the end of 3 months we all ran 30 kilometres with full army combat equipment. So we do respond to directions especially firm ones from firm people. What I'm suggesting here with your needle fear is to be tough on your approach but be fair in your kindness to yourself until you overcome that fear. It's all to do with training the mind and if you can divert your attention as well that can help...
I have a short history of self harm. For me it was a case of losing control of things in my life like conflict with family members or finances etc. I soon realised that if I was to eliminate self harm I had to get professional medical help (maybe you have that?) plus I had to distract my focus on my problems and develop interests to give me more meaning of life. Eg I bought a motorbike and polished it up and went for a ride. That was my best medicine. Think about what will fulfill you more in life and go in that direction, drop off negative destructive people in your life and envelope friends that are empathetic and kind.
I hope that works for you as you seem kind and sensitive. Reply anytime
"People dont relate to others peoples fear because it isnt their fear... but they do have fears ...That means fear is indeed normal and we can conquer them" TonyWK
TonyWK
