I recently had to go to my GP for blood test, and I am completely phobic when it comes to having blood taken. I had wound myself up for a week about it. So as soon as I walked in to the blood taking room I blurted out how phobic I was and as I spoke I could feel myself getting more stressed.

Sharing my fear was the best approach as the health care assistant knew exactly how to deal with me to ensure the experience was a painless as possible for both of us.

So next time you have to have blood taken or if the Dentist is your challenge, just speak your fears out and then your care provider can work with you to find a solution.

I also kept deep breathing throughout and continued to lay down on the couch for a few minutes after the procedure was over.