Hemophobia, hematophobia or fear of blood is a specific type of phobia and is distinguished from other phobias by some characteristics. It is the fear of needles, blood and injury. People with this phobia often experience fainting. In addition, in people with fear of blood, the sound of an ambulance siren, hearing the words surgery or blood can cause fainting. It is also popularly known as not being able to stand the sight of blood. People panic when they see blood.
Disliking the sight of blood is considered natural and normal. However, people with a fear of blood experience extreme and irrational discomfort when they see blood.
Symptoms of hemophobia (fear of blood)
People with a fear of blood do not need direct contact with blood for symptoms and signs to occur. Seeing blood, hearing words related to blood or seeing blood on television are sufficient for signs and symptoms. In such cases, people may experience some physical and emotional symptoms.
The symptoms of hemophobia can be listed as follows:
Physical Symptoms
- Dizziness and lightheadedness
- Difficulty breathing
- Heart palpitations
- Tremor
- Too much sweating
- Nausea
Psychological Symptoms
- Concern
- Panic state
- Desire to escape in the presence of blood
- Loss of control
- Fainting sensation
- Feeling weak and sluggish
Causes of hemophobia (fear of blood)
Although the causes of hemophobia are not clear, it is thought to be caused by negative experiences and traumas in the past. Having a traumatic accident or experiencing a situation that causes a lot of blood loss can lead to the development of this condition.
The following factors may be among the causes of fear of blood:
Genetic Factors
Genetic predisposition is among the factors that cause phobias. Blood phobia is one of these phobias. Having a family member with blood phobia can cause this condition to develop in people.
Worried Parents
A person may develop a fear of blood in childhood when he/she sees people around him/her and in his/her family who are afraid of blood.
Protective Family Structure
Children from overprotective families may develop certain phobias. Among these phobias is the fear of blood.
Traumas
Phobias can develop in later periods as a result of experiencing some negative traumatic events, usually in childhood. Negative events such as having an accident can lead to a fear of blood in the future.
The Effect of Fear of Blood on a Person's Life
Blood phobia can negatively affect and limit a person's life. As a result of fear of blood, people may not want to be treated medically. In case of being ill, they may not want to be examined, may not want to have the tests requested by specialists or may avoid them. They also do not want to undergo surgery and dental treatment.
In such cases, family, social and work relationships may suffer. They may even find it difficult to participate in normal activities of daily life. They often feel depressed or may become depressed. In order to prevent such situations, it is necessary to be open to treatment and to overcome fears.
Hemophobia (fear of blood) Treatment
In some phobias, individuals are less likely to encounter the object of their anxiety and fear. For example, an individual with snake phobia does not encounter a snake every day. An individual who does not have to go very far in his/her daily life and can travel by car does not have to be treated for flight phobia. It is important for people with a fear of blood to be treated as they may encounter this situation at any time.
The aim of the treatment is not to faint when faced with a vital situation and to be able to intervene in that situation. In case of any injury, it is important to be able to intervene oneself or a person injured next to one.
There are different types ofhemophobia treatment, such as exposure therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and desensitization (EMDR) therapy.
Exposure Therapy
It is a very important method to overcome and cope with phobias. Accompanied by a psychologist or therapist, in an environment where the patient's safety is ensured, the patient is gradually reminded of the feared object and then exposed to it. At the same time, the therapist teaches the patient methods of coping with this situation.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
In this therapy method, the thoughts and ideas that cause blood phobia are identified. The patient is interviewed, questions are asked and detailed information about their fears is obtained. They are given a different perspective on their fears. The patient, who gains a different perspective, changes their perceptions and can get rid of those fears.
Desensitization Therapy (EMDR)
It is aimed to desensitize the patient to the negative events experienced in the past. Trauma memories are unearthed and negative thoughts are replaced with positive ones.
In addition, breathing and meditation exercises are taught to the patient in case of the possibility of facing this situation. It ensures that measures are taken against sudden situations.