Fear of needles is sometimes called trypanophobia or just needlephobia and is quite common. In fact my mother was so afraid of needles that she usually opted to have dental treatment without a numbing injection - really painful sometimes.

Like most phobias, it can often be managed with some help. First of all, it helps if you tell the doctor or other health professionals that you have this phobia. They will then take it very gently and keep you informed all the time - a lot of the problem with fear of needles is being taken by surprise. Wherever possible you should also opt to have the area numbed before the injection - you may still feel it but there will be no pain if the procedure has been done correctly.

Otherwise, just trying to breathe deeply and relax your muscles should lessen the shock of the injection, as well as keeping your mind on something else, such as the words of a song or poem. And remember it will soon be over!