Empowering Minds: How I Faced My Fear of MRI Tests with Mindset and Mental Strength
A few years ago, I tried to have an MRI and just...could…not…get…through…it.
I panicked. My body froze. My mind spiraled. It was during early pandemic times so I was also masked up on top of everything else making me feel even more suffocated and claustrophobic.
I ended up leaving halfway through the scans - and didn’t get the answers I needed for the chronic pain I was experiencing. I was so disappointed in myself. I felt I failed. I felt I was not “strong” enough or mentally “tough enough”. I was so embarrassed to even go back to the doctor and tell her I failed. I was left without the information I needed so I just let it go and kept suffering with my chronic pain and choosing to try and ignore it the best I could.
Fast forward to now: I had to try again. The pain was becoming worse and more frequent. All my little tools to rest or reset my body just weren’t working anymore. And this time, I was determined to make it through - calmly, clearly, and empowered because more than ever, I felt really strong in my mindset game.
Now this post isn’t about being fearless. It’s about facing fear and still showing up. It’s about how empowering our minds - through mindset techniques, tools, and compassion - can help us get through even the hardest moments.
Setting the Goal: Get the Answers, Not Just Survive the Scan
I knew this MRI was necessary for my health journey. I also knew how hard it would be. But my goal wasn’t just “make it through.” It was to move through the experience with more ease, more regulation, and less fear than before.
I wanted to break the cycle I’d been stuck in - to finally feel like I had some control over my experience.
My Toolkit: Mindset, Visualization, and Self-Compassion (Plus a Few Practical Helpers)
In the days leading up to the scan, I pulled out every tool in my mindset toolbox. Because not only was I nervous about the actual scan, but anyone that suffers from anxiety knows that the build up to that time can be far worse than the experience itself. Here are some tools that I used both leading up to the scan and during the scan itself.
Breathwork and nervous system regulation to center and calm my mind and body
Guided self-hypnosis and meditation to calm the inner noise and loops I was creating
Visualization techniques to stay mentally ahead of fear loops
Aromatherapy (hello lavender!) to send calming signals to my body
An eye mask from home to feel comforted and grounded in a familiar object
I also made the decision to use medication to support me. And I want to say this clearly: there is no shame in that. Sometimes empowering our minds means using all the tools available to us - mindset and modern medicine. And for me, medicine alone was not the trick. Looking back, I don’t even think I needed it because what really got me through were my mindset techniques.
The Unexpected Curveball: No Music Allowed
I had planned to listen to music during the scan as a distraction. But when I arrived, I found out that - because of the area they were scanning - I couldn’t wear headphones.
Cue the panic trying to sneak back in. (Let’s just say I almost immediately walked out).
But I adapted. I know I had the tools within me to get through the scans. I sang to myself in my head (thank you Lady Gaga). I counted. I even went through the alphabet, letter by letter. These small anchors helped keep me present, calm, and in control when the machine noise and stillness got overwhelming.
Speaking Up and Asking for What I Needed
One of the biggest shifts this time? I communicated.
I told the MRI tech what had happened last time, and what kinds of things made it harder for me - like when they told me how many minutes were left (hello, anxiety spiral!).
Because I spoke up, she was incredibly patient and compassionate. She adjusted how she guided me through the session. I didn’t feel alone - I felt supported.
That’s another powerful form of mindset work: advocating for yourself and speaking up for what you need.
The Takeaway: Fear Doesn’t Make You Weak - Mindset Makes You Strong
The truth is, I still had fear going into that room. I still felt the familiar sensations of worry, overwhelm, and discomfort. I contemplated numerous times how I could leave. I even laid down in the machine and had to get up once and try again. But this time, I had my mindset tools. I had a plan. I had my own back.
And that’s what empowering minds is really about - not eliminating fear, but building the tools and support systems to walk through it.
If you’re someone who struggles with health anxiety or has had hard experiences with MRIs or medical testing, please know you’re not alone. It’s okay to need support. It’s okay to use multiple tools. And it’s absolutely possible to rewrite your story.
Want Support on Your Mindset Journey?
If you’re ready to build a mindset that helps you feel more calm, in control, and empowered - even in life’s hardest moments - I’d love to support you.
Whether it’s through hypnotherapy, self-compassion practices, health anxiety meditations, or creating your own personalized nervous system toolkit, I’m here to walk alongside you.
You are worthy of peace.
You are stronger than you think.
And your mind? It’s one of the most powerful tools you’ve got so use it to your benefit.
Let’s empower it - together.
Book your free consultation call here, and let’s create a personalized plan to help you overcome fear with your own mindset toolbox.
