How do you get over the fear of dissection?

College Majors Science Majors
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<p>Sorry if this is in the wrong place, I'm pretty new to the forum. If it needs to be moved somewhere, go ahead!</p>

<p>I'm aiming to major in wildlife biology. I know it's the right way for me to go, because animals and creatures of all sorts are my passion and have been since I was little. My only problem is that I'm really overwhelmed by the thought of how I will get over the terror I feel at the thought of dissection. I want to be able to handle it because I know it's really important for understanding how things work and I just won't succeed in my future classes if I try to opt out. I managed to squeak by in high school refusing to do the dissection labs, but I also did awful in those classes because of it.</p>

<p>I have a lot going against me. I've been vegan for most of my life now and I'm not used to even handling meat, and I'm also really squeamish in general. I can't help it, I've always been that way, but I feel like with enough determination and by approaching it with some sort of preparatory system, I can overcome it to pursue my dream.</p>

<p>I volunteer at a wildlife center so I have plenty of opportunities to be exposed to things like cutting mice open to remove organs that could hurt the resident animals, watching medical procedures, etc. I'm not too freaked out by the carcasses themselves, but when it comes to having to cut them open, even the thought makes me want to cry and vomit at the same time. I'm trying to desensitize myself by watching people prepare the mice for feeding, but a lot of times I just have to look away. At this point I know there's no way on earth I could possibly will myself to do it myself without fainting or having a panic attack or something. But I am really determined to work through this and have the right opportunity to do it and start preparing for those classes I'll get to where I'll need to be able to handle it.</p>

<p>So I'm wondering, has anybody gone through this kind of experience and found a good method for getting over it? I'm trying to set up a plan of action to take baby steps towards my goal, because just leaping into it is definitely not an option.</p>

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<p>I’ve heard of immersion (like pretty much making yourself do it even if it takes forever) but I’m sure that only happens with professionals around in a controlled environment. But maybe you could try it with really good and supportive friends who actually care if you’re triggered.
Just little by little work your way up to and through the procedure. Baby steps are all you can do at this point if dissection is necessary for your major.</p>

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<p>start with an earth worm. Then a frog. A squid. Kids’ science camps have them. don’t start with something furry. Then focus on why it is interesting, not on it being a dead animal. Best I can say, I’m afraid, since that doesn’t happen to be one of my fears.</p>

<p>I believe there are actually video/virtual dissection things, I’ve seen them referenced on the internet. I don’t know if they would help.</p>

<p>Good luck!</p>