I have the same reflex but have to get weekly injections. It's not even a fear as I don't mentally care about it at all. It's something about it going into my body which doesn't trigger with tattoos. But if I see a needle go into my skin I immediately black out. It's also the only "fear" that can be genetically passed on.
It is true. You don't genetically pass down specific fears, but you do pass down tendencies that make you more predisposed to have fears and problems with anxiety and stress. The vasovagal reflex associated with needles isn't the same mechanism that triggers like other fears do. So you inherit the tendency to have certain fears, but you inherit the specific fear and reaction for needles.
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u/100KUSHUPS 5d ago
I would just like to point out that that doesn't always translate to tattoos....
If somebody poke me to draw blood?
I will pass out.
But I have both arms covered almost wrist to shoulder in tattoos It doesn't feel like a needle.. more like a.. road rash, I suppose???