Are you afraid of needles?
In this YouTube monologue, Dallas Bragg shares his two‑year struggle with severe needle phobia triggered by regular blood draws required for his HIV treatment. He describes the visceral panic, crying, and even a paradoxical euphoric recall that made the experience feel like a nightmare he wanted to relive. To manage the trauma, Dallas outlines a multi‑step approach: (1) open communication with doctors and nurses about his trigger; (2) bringing a trusted support person to the appointment to provide physical comfort; (3) establishing post‑appointment safeguards such as immediate check‑ins, limiting exposure to triggering apps like Grindr, and arranging safe‑home visits; and (4) using breathing exercises before and during the draw to regulate his nervous system. He invites viewers to share their own needle‑related triggers and precautions, fostering a community dialogue around harm‑reduction and mental‑health strategies for people living with HIV and a history of substance use.
