I donated yesterday after a little extra hiatus prescribed by my doctor because of low iron. I think I’ll talk to her about increasing the gendered iron pills (they literally have stats about women on the bottle!) because I was still barely qualified.
Because we’ve talked about it in this thread, I wanted to mention that I did also experience some anxiety this time around. I think three things were involved: I didn’t bike there (so I didn’t have my usual calming activity), I was tired (so less apt to banter with the person drawing my blood), and the phlebotomist didn’t volunteer as many positive updates as the donation progressed. I was able to keep the anxiety to a dull roar and complete the donation, but this is a good reminder to always lean on my supports. Just as I quickly get motion sickness without the iPhone motion dots, it’s easy for me to psych myself out if I don’t do what’s in my power to keep myself at a good baseline.
Anyway, thanks for listening to my talk. I’ll be back in 2026!
Because we’ve talked about it in this thread, I wanted to mention that I did also experience some anxiety this time around. I think three things were involved: I didn’t bike there (so I didn’t have my usual calming activity), I was tired (so less apt to banter with the person drawing my blood), and the phlebotomist didn’t volunteer as many positive updates as the donation progressed. I was able to keep the anxiety to a dull roar and complete the donation, but this is a good reminder to always lean on my supports. Just as I quickly get motion sickness without the iPhone motion dots, it’s easy for me to psych myself out if I don’t do what’s in my power to keep myself at a good baseline.
Anyway, thanks for listening to my talk. I’ll be back in 2026!
