This article was updated 8/29/23 by the FOLX Editorial Team. Illustrations by Leo Mateus.
The very idea of self-injecting medication into our bodies can be terrifying for many. Especially when a 22G needle is staring you down for an intramuscular injection, the fear can hit harder. Getting or doing a shot is not typically an activity lots of people look forward to. Needle anxiety, also known as a fear of needles—called trypanophobia—is one of the most common phobias in the United States.
Whether you just find self-injecting daunting or you are afraid of needles, there are things that can help. For those who pursue estrogen or testosterone hormone replacement therapy, a routine self-injection shot of GAHT can be something that you might look forward to. However, we know it’s not always stress-free. To help you overcome any fear or anxiety you might have, we’ve compiled a transhealth self-injection guide. Focus on your well-being, take some deep breaths, and auto-inject with ease.
Set the mood
Every time you do a testosterone or estrogen shot, you are setting aside time to show up for yourself. Creating a gentle, soothing environment can help set a mood and vibe for your injection. Developing a dependable routine or ritual that integrates pleasure can help ease injection anxiety.
Plan in advance to set up a ritual space for your injection that feels sacred or special. Make sure your space is clean and clear for setting up your supplies (and make sure you have the right supplies in advance!). Maybe you have a certain artist or song that you listen to every time you do your HRT shot, or you can make your own playlist, stock up on candles or essential oils, prepare an altar space, and anything else that will help you set the vibe.
Practice deep breathing
Breathing exercises can help combat anxiety of all kinds. Before starting your injection, take a moment to pause and regulate your nervous system. Some different kinds of breathing techniques include alternate-nostril breathing, diaphragmatic or belly breathing, 4-7-8 breathing, and more. There are a number of meditation apps that offer breathing-based guided meditations, such as Headspace, Calm, and Balance. You can just keep it simple by taking ten deep breaths as well to center yourself before your injection. Experiment with different types of breathing until you find the right technique for you.
Try reciting some affirmations
Affirmations give us the opportunity to practice self-validation and self-trust. Consider saying some affirmations out loud during or before your routine self-injection. While we encourage you to create your own, here are some example affirmations if you need some inspiration:
- I am worthy of love.
- I am becoming the best version of myself.
- This is not just medication. This is a life-affirming practice.
- I give myself the care, love, and attention I deserve.
- I am connected to all trans people. We deserve everything.
Remember why you’re doing this
Don’t lose touch with your reasons for being on hormone therapy. You’re embarking on an exciting journey of gender-affirming care and recommitting to yourself every time you take this medication. Remind yourself of this when the going gets tough on shot days. Though it’s understandable to be caught up in injection anxiety, embrace the moment to accept and feel the wide range of your emotions rather than suppress them; chances are, you’ll find your own acceptance along the way.
Inject with confidence
When injecting any medication, especially HRT, it’s important to do so with confidence. Although it’s normal to feel apprehensive, injecting slowly can cause pain, lead to mistakes, and draw out the overall process, all of which will make you feel that much more overwhelmed.
While there isn’t an exact recipe for confidence, there are ways to set yourself up for success, from day one. Sometimes confidence can be a trick you play on yourself, until it becomes natural.Take a deep breath and give yourself a time limit—the longer you linger, the more your anxiety will build. It’s important not to rush yourself, but be intentional about the lead up to your injection. Consider setting a timer. You could even put on a song and challenge yourself to finish your shot before the end of it.
Although the first few injections may be the most anxiety-inducing, remember to be patient with yourself. Many of us gain confidence over time and with experience, and while it might not get any easier, you will become better and more skilled at self-injecting
Find community support
Remember that you can always count on others for support when you are having a difficult time self-injecting your HRT. For instance, you can demonstrate to a loved one in your life—a trusted partner, friend, roommate, family member, etc.—how to administer your shot when you can't bring yourself to do it. That way, you’ll still be able to get your medication on time consistently, even when or if you’re overcome with injection anxiety.
Reward yourself
Being on testosterone or estrogen hormone replacement therapy can be a reward in itself, but finding ways to reward yourself for injecting successfully can help associate positive feelings to your weekly shot. Just like any other goal, we set ourselves up for success when we incorporate elements of joy into our progress; we’re also more likely to have a good association with our overall goals. If you’re struggling to find ways to reward yourself, here are some suggestions:
- Go for a walk outdoors.
- Treat yourself to a gift or your favorite snack.
- Drink a bubbly water or take a bath.
- Schedule social time with a loved one.
If you need a refresher on how to give yourself an injection, find our step-by-step self-injection guide and our subcutaneous (SubQ) and intramuscular (IM) videos you are ready to start your gender-affirming HRT journey with FOLX, you can get started with a membership today. If you have more questions, feel free to check out our other articles in the Library or schedule a virtual visit with a FOLX clinician. If you still have questions, check out our FAQs in the FOLX Help Center.
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FOLX Health is the first digital healthcare company designed by and for the LGBTQIA+ community. Our services include virtual primary care, gender-affirming hormone therapy including estrogen and testosterone (HRT), mental health care, sexual and reproductive health care, preventive care, and fertility consultations. FOLX memberships give you access to LGBTQIA+ expert clinicians, peer support, thousands of LGBTQIA+ resources, and more. Whether you’re lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, gender non-conforming, or nonbinary, you can find LGBTQIA+-specialized health care that helps you meet your wellness goals. FOLX Health is health care that's queer all year. Get all the benefits of becoming a FOLX member and sign up today!
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