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 situationsNyomi'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 symptomsDissociation: The mind says "I'm out" while the body tries to keep functioningAll-or-Nothing Thinking: One of ten types of distorted thinking that can trigger severe anxietyThe 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:Bring Support: Have someone with you to help process medical information and share the emotional loadDo Your Research: Don't mystify the situation - learn about recovery, connect with others who've had similar proceduresCreate New Engagement: Start a journal, hobby, or skill during the process to channel energy constructively rather than destructivelyKey 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 temperatureIce therapy and temperature regulation for nervous system resetBreathing techniques and guided meditation for pre-procedure calmJournaling as a tool for processing and documenting the healing journeySpiritual Growth Through Challenge: Nyomi's story illustrates how medical challenges can become catalysts for spiritual awakening. Her pregnancy bedrest period became "the beginning of deep, deep healing" and her spiritual journey, showing how forced stillness can lead to profound self-discovery.Episode Highlights:Nyomi's honest admission about 2 AM anxiety wake-ups despite surgical confidenceThe powerful story of pregnancy anxiety attacks and roadside blackoutsDr. Will's explanation of dissociation and psychosomatic reactionsThe connection between past trauma and current medical anxietyPractical tools for building a "calm kit" for medical proceduresPerfect for anyone facing upcoming medical procedures, those supporting loved ones through medical journeys, people dealing with medical anxiety or trauma, and anyone learning to manage stress and anxiety through spiritual and psychological tools.Episode Note: This episode was recorded while Nyomi was experiencing BII symptoms including the dry cough that affects her voice throughout the conversation, adding authentic real-time documentation to her healing journey.Free Resource: Download the Year of ReBirth Workbook at theseasonofselflovepodcast.comSeries Finale: This marks the final Mindset Monday of the season, with the podcast returning in ...
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34 mins