Conquering Anxiety Before Medical Procedures: Preparing for Your ReBirth & Transformation | Final Mindset Monday

Join host Nyomi Banks and resident therapist Dr. Will Washington on this deeply personal final Mindset Monday episode of The Season of Self Love Podcast as they tackle one of the most universal yet rarely discussed challenges: managing anxiety before medical procedures. As Nyomi prepares for her explant surgery, this vulnerable conversation provides essential tools for transforming medical anxiety from paralyzing fear into empowering preparation.
What You'll Discover: • Why medical procedure anxiety is completely normal and actually healthy • The difference between past trauma-based anxiety and current procedural concerns • Three essential practical tools for managing pre-surgery stress • How to distinguish between mind, body, and heart responses to medical anxiety • The importance of nervous system regulation during high-stress medical situations
Nyomi's Vulnerable Sharing: Nyomi courageously opens up about her current 2 AM wake-ups filled with surgical anxiety, despite knowing her decision is right and trusting her surgeon. She also shares her powerful story of severe anxiety attacks during pregnancy - complete blackouts, shortness of breath, and psychosomatic reactions that required roadside emergency stops with her young daughter.
Understanding Medical Anxiety: Dr. Will explains that anxiety around medical procedures is natural because it represents a moment when "your control is in the hands of someone you've just met" with outcomes you cannot control. The uncertainty triggers normal human responses - if you weren't anxious, that would be more concerning.
The Anatomy of Anxiety Attacks:

• Psychosomatic Reactions: When the mind and body disconnect, leading to physical symptoms
• Dissociation: The mind says "I'm out" while the body tries to keep functioning
• All-or-Nothing Thinking: One of ten types of distorted thinking that can trigger severe anxiety
• The Loop Effect: Anxiety as separation from the present moment, like "fishing with no water"

Nyomi's Transformation Story: From severe pregnancy anxiety attacks (complete with blackouts and emergency calls) to current manageable pre-surgery concerns, Nyomi shares how 22 years of spiritual growth, self-awareness, and healing work have transformed her relationship with anxiety. Her journey from industry retirement through spiritual awakening illustrates the power of intentional healing.
Dr. Will's Three Essential Tools:

1. Bring Support: Have someone with you to help process medical information and share the emotional load
2. Do Your Research: Don't mystify the situation - learn about recovery, connect with others who've had similar procedures
3. Create New Engagement: Start a journal, hobby, or skill during the process to channel energy constructively rather than destructively

Key Insights:

• "We all have our own mental illness loop - some are bigger circles, some are smaller"
• "Stress is the number one killer, but anxiety opens up your awareness to stress"
• "The goal is to learn your mind, body, and heart as three different people"
• "Nervous system regulation is key - it doesn't know how to reset without proper grounding"

The Mind-Body-Heart Framework: Dr. Will emphasizes learning to recognize mind, body, and heart as three separate experiences, allowing you to sit in the center and make balanced decisions. This awareness is crucial for managing anxiety and practicing effective self-care.
Practical Techniques Covered:

• Grounding through awareness of room, relationships, and internal temperature
• Ice therapy and temperature regulation for nervous system reset
• Breathing techniques and guided meditation for pre-procedure calm
• Journaling as a tool for processing and documenting the healing journey

Spiritual Growth Through Challenge: Nyomi's story illustrates how medical challenges can become cataly