The good news is the fear of needles can be treatable.

Behind the fear of needles

Rana Mafeeis an integrative neurologist at Case Integrative Health in Chicago.

She also practices family medicine in Westchester, Illinois.

vaccination syringe and bottle on a colored background. close up copy space

Mafee says that fear of needles is certainly nothing to be ashamed of.

The first thing to remind yourself is that you are not alone, says Mafee.

Its also important to figure out if what youre experiencing is a fear or a phobia.

Fear, however, is a natural and normal human reaction to the presumption of danger.

She tellsAllureits likely that evolution has conditioned humans to fear objects resembling needles as a survival instinct.

Of course, modern medicine has given punctures a purpose.

Romanoff says that writing out a simple pro and con list could be helpful.

But that pain is temporary, while the long-term benefits of an injection can be long-lasting.

For Mafee, breathwork is a strong place to start addressing your fear of needles.

Your care provider may recommend exposure therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), or both.

Exposure therapy involves encountering your fear, in small doses, in a controlled environment.

No matter what your level of fear is, know that there are options.