Understanding and Addressing Needle Fear in Healthcare

Many people are afraid of needles in some capacity — about 1 in 10 experience a "high level" of needle fear, says clinical psychologist Meghan McMurtry. But that fear is often underrecognized or misunderstood. That's why today's show is all about needle fear: what it is, tools to cope, and why it's important to address beyond the pandemic.

Some strategies Meghan suggests to help cope with the fear of needles:

- the CARD System for adults: bit.ly/3nHIKlw
- muscle tension technique: bit.ly/3CBki9Z

Listen to Tom's reporting on needle fear: https://truestoriesinsound.wordpress.com/2021/08/09/needle-phobia/

Reach the show by emailing shortwave@npr.org.

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