Injection Support

Starting injections or needle pokes can feel overwhelming at first — for both children and caregivers. Feeling nervous or anxious is completely normal.

A few things that may help include:

• explaining the process in simple, calm language
• allowing your child to ask questions
• practicing slow breathing or distraction techniques
• using numbing creams or comfort positioning if recommended by your care team
• preparing supplies ahead of time to reduce stress
• keeping routines calm and predictable

Over time, many families find the process becomes easier and more manageable with practice and support.

You may also find these resources helpful:

Getting Started with Injections
A practical guide from AbbVie featuring advice from doctors, nurses, and pain specialists to help make injections more comfortable and less stressful.

Getting Started with Needle Pokes
An educational video created by ECHO Research, TREKK, and ARCHE at the University of Alberta, offering tips and guidance for families preparing children for needle pokes.

Absolutely. Children of different ages may respond to needle pokes in different ways, and there are many strategies that can help make the experience easier and less stressful for both children and caregivers.

Helpful approaches can include:

• using age-appropriate language to explain what’s happening
• practicing calming or distraction techniques
• bringing comfort items or toys
• using numbing creams if recommended by your healthcare team
• allowing older children to ask questions and feel involved in the process

Yes. Children may respond to needle pokes in different ways, and adjusting your approach based on your child’s age and comfort level can help reduce anxiety and make the experience feel more manageable.

Helpful strategies may include:

• using simple, age-appropriate language to explain what will happen
• using distraction techniques such as toys, music, videos, or breathing exercises
• giving your child a sense of control by offering small choices (such as where the injection
  goes or whether they want to look away)
• using numbing cream if recommended by your healthcare team
• bringing comfort items or planning a calming activity afterward

If your child continues to struggle with needle fear or anxiety, talk to your rheumatologist or nurse about additional supports that may help. In some cases, child psychologists or specialists with expertise in medical anxiety can help children and teens develop coping strategies and confidence over time.

You may also find these guides helpful:

• No More Needle Fear: The Nurses Guide to Reducing Anxiety in Children & Teens
• How to Help Your Child Cope With Needles

Fear of needles is very common in children and adults, but many children and teens are able to build confidence and reduce anxiety over time with the right support and coping strategies.

Some children find it helpful to:

• practice calming or breathing techniques before appointments
• use distraction during injections or bloodwork
• learn about the process ahead of time so there are fewer surprises
• talk openly about their fears with parents, nurses, or healthcare providers
• gradually build comfort through small steps and positive experiences

Learn more about the causes, experience treatment of needle phobia here.

Needle phobia can be very challenging, but many children and teens are able to build confidence and reduce anxiety over time with the right support and coping strategies.

Some children find it helpful to:

• practice calming or breathing techniques before appointments
• use distraction during injections or bloodwork
• learn about the process ahead of time so there are fewer surprises
• talk openly about their fears with parents, nurses, or healthcare providers
• gradually build comfort through small steps and positive experiences

It can also help to hear from other young people who have had similar experiences. In our Virtual Youth Panel, young adults from our community share their personal experiences coping with needle fear and anxiety.

Some children may also feel more comfortable after watching demonstrations that explain what to expect. To help other kids learn about getting an IV, 8-year-old Charlotte Sangers created a video featuring her stuffed animal, Giraffy, receiving medication in a child-friendly and approachable way.

There is no “right” age to start doing your own injections. Every child and teen is different, and the transition often depends on comfort level, confidence, maturity, and support from caregivers and healthcare providers.

For some young people, learning to self-inject can help build independence and confidence. Others may prefer support from a parent or caregiver for longer — both experiences are completely normal.

Many young adults in our community have shared that what helped most was:

• practicing gradually over time
• learning from nurses or healthcare providers
• using distraction techniques
• moving slowly and staying calm during injections
• focusing on having more independence and control over their care

Some families have found creative coping strategies helpful, such as:

• breathing exercises
• listening to music or watching videos
• using numbing cream if recommended
• focusing on a strong scent or candy for distraction
• practicing injection steps ahead of time

It’s also important to remember that fear around injections is common, especially in the beginning. With practice, patience, and support, many children and teens find the process becomes easier over time.

You may also find it helpful to hear from young adults in our community who share their experiences with self-injections, including tips that helped them feel more comfortable and confident.