How do people deal with injection anxiety? I'm three days in and can't get over it

Very common. A few things that help: 1) do it fast — hesitation makes it worse, count 3-2-1 and commit. 2) numbing cream (LMX 4% or equivalent) for the first few if needed, kills the sensory component. 3) warm the vial in your hand for a minute so the solution isn't cold. 4) pinch firmly. 5) the first week is the hardest, it becomes automatic.

I had the same thing. Did mine in front of a mirror the first time because I needed to see what was happening. Weird but it worked. I don't need to anymore.

These are all helpful. Going to try the 3-2-1 + warm solution tomorrow morning.

Insulin needles are genuinely one of the smallest needles used clinically. For me what got me over it was actually looking up how small 31 gauge is compared to a hair. It's tiny. My brain was imagining something 10x bigger.

Ice cube on the spot for 30 seconds before injecting. kills sensation, works every time.

Had to do the first 4 in my thigh because I couldn't stomach the belly. Eventually moved to belly once the fear faded. There's no rule that says you can't pick your easiest site first.

^ the universal experience. Welcome to the other side.

Did it this morning. Didn't feel anything. I was being dramatic apparently.

Saving this thread for when I start. thanks all.

Late to this but 47M here, was scared of needles my whole life. insulin syringe was nothing like I feared. Anyone reading: it's ok to be scared, and it's also ok once you do it.