Dealing With Claustrophobia During An MRI: Gestalt Therapist Tips

Anxiety during MRI

When I realized I would have to lie down inside the narrow MRI machine, a wave of fear hit me. I had been hoping for an open MRI, but instead I found myself face-to-face with the enclosed space I dreaded. I wasn’t prepared for the sense of being trapped — and the panic that followed.

If you’ve ever felt this way, you’re not alone. Many people with claustrophobia find the thought of lying still in an MRI scanner overwhelming. The enclosed tunnel, the loud noises, and the sense of losing control can trigger intense anxiety — sometimes strong enough to make people avoid important medical tests.

But the good news is that there are ways to prepare, cope, and even make the experience more manageable. Here are some of the things that helped me, and that may help you too.

Ask for Help

I asked the technician to remind me that there was a help button and to give me updates during the scan. Even though the response wasn’t warm or detailed, just knowing I had that option gave me a little more sense of control. Sometimes simply asking for reassurance — even if it’s minimal — can make a difference.

In another experience, the technician was very friendly and supportive. She actually paused to tell me that I was doing wonderfully and that I only had half the time left. Hearing that encouragement in the middle of the scan gave me relief and reminded me I wasn’t forgotten. It showed me how much of a difference kindness and reassurance from staff can make during a difficult moment.

Breathing When Panic Takes Over

There was a moment when I felt panic rising — my chest tightening, the urge to get out. What grounded me was slowing my breath: in through the nose, holding for a few seconds, then out through the mouth. It didn’t erase the fear, but it softened it enough to keep going.

When we get scared, many of us stop breathing or start breathing too quickly. That only makes the anxiety worse and can turn into hyperventilating. By intentionally slowing down and taking deep, steady breaths, you break that cycle. Breath can become your anchor, reminding your body: you’re safe enough right now, you can get through this moment.

The Power Of Distractions

I also distracted myself with little mental exercises, like counting backward or doing math in my head. Sometimes I recited song lyrics or lines of a poem. Having something to occupy my mind gave the fear less space to grow.

Distraction really does work. Think about how you would comfort a crying baby — you might sing a song, or show them a toy to shift their focus. The same principle applies to us. When panic thoughts come up — “What if they forget about me? What if I’m stuck in this box forever?” — and your body sensations feel overwhelming, try to intentionally bring your focus to something neutral. It could be a number sequence, a memory, or even imagining a calm place. That shift helps you step outside the spiral of anxious thoughts and give your mind a place to rest.

Why Sharing Your Experience Is Important

Another thing that helped me was debriefing afterward. I shared with a friend how scared I had been and how I managed to get through it. Talking about the experience calmed me down and reminded me that I wasn’t alone. Asking for encouragement or support from friends and family — even just a quick check-in after your scan — can make a big difference.

Talk to your PCP Ahead Of Time

For some people, talking with their doctor about anti-anxiety medication can also help. Before one of my scans, I spoke to my primary care physician and, under guidance, took medication to ease my anxiety. This is not for everyone, but for some, it makes the difference between avoiding the scan altogether and being able to complete it. Having a family member come with you, if possible, can also add another layer of comfort.

If what I shared resonates with you, I invite you to schedule a free consultation. I work with clients who are navigating difficult times with their health and looking for support. In therapy, we work as a team so you can develop tools to support yourself through these challenges. Your discomfort matters, your pain matters, and you deserve to be heard and seen — by your doctors and by those around you. Together, we can practice ways to assert your needs and make sure your voice is recognized.