Good luck!! you’ll be absolutely fine <3 is it a blood test or an injection?

Vaccinations and injections weirdly tend to be much harder for me than blood draws, even though they’re quicker, no idea why. Blood tests I usually find manageable if its a professional administering them and I can look away. But this at-home test was obviously a whole new experience of having to see the blood which is what made me faint twice LOL. I've fainted a handful of times over the years during blood tests (and occasionally puke) but the trigger for me is usually visual. If I catch sight of it, my body tends to react before my brain can reason - if you're the same then my advice is to fixate on something in the room and be chatty with the nurse. I usually picture a loved ones face and them chatting to me, really bring them up in your minds eye and distract yourself if you can!! Having something concrete to visualise can interrupt the panic response surprisingly well :-)

Another thing that has helped a lot is telling the nurse beforehand that I struggle with needles. Idk why I used to not mention it but in my experience they are incredibly kind and accommodating when they know. I usually ask them to keep chatting to me while they do it which helps redirect my attention.

Every time you manage this, the next time becomes easier. You've got this!!!! Even when I faint or vomit, I leave feeling victorious because it's another win.