How do I put a tampon in without freaking out?

Acid Asked: How do I put a tampon in without freaking out?

I'm sixteen, and I'm going to India on a missions trip this summer. With pads, I leak very easily on my heavy days, and that…would be…only a little bit…embarrassing. Also, who knows when I'll be expected to go swimming, and I can only bring so many clothes, so I can't afford to ruin them!

Anyway, I thought I'd try using tampons, but I CAN'T SEEM TO DO IT! I've only attempted it a few times, but right when I'm about to go, I start wondering if I'm doing it okay, if I'm going to hurt myself, etc. And the whole thing totally grosses me out! Suddenly, I find myself thinking about friction and bacteria and infections, and then I feel sick and I yank it out again. Also, it feels funny.

What's wrong with me?! Why can't I do this? Are tampons even healthy for you? The thought of trying again makes me kind of queasy. And seriously, if I won't even let a tampon down there, what's going to happen if I ever want to have sex? aaaaahhh!!!