When the room went quiet
Content note:
This story includes descriptions of a medical procedure, emotional exposure, and distress experienced during a healthcare encounter.
The room was bright and clean and quiet in the way medical rooms often are.
I told her I was anxious coming in. I said it softly. I brought my husband with me because I didn’t want to do it alone.
She paused for a moment, then asked if it would help if she talked me through each step as she worked.
I said yes.
When the procedure began, my body reacted before I could catch up.
My breathing became shallow. Too fast.
My whole body started shaking.
Tears started rolling down my cheeks, left unwiped. I was trying so hard not to move. There was a scalpel in the tender place between my left ear and shoulder. A biopsy was needed.
She didn’t say anything after that.
The room went quiet.
The sound that filled the space came from somewhere else. My husband’s voice.
“It’s looking good, baby. She’s almost done.”
I focused on that voice. On staying still. On getting through the next moment, and then the next.
The procedure ended. I got dressed. We left.
Nothing went wrong.
Nothing was done incorrectly.
But what stayed with me was how quickly the room stopped holding me once my distress became visible.
-
Reading or sharing stories like this can sometimes stir up difficult feelings.
If you need support, help is available.Canada (finding emotional & mental health support):
Call 211 or visit https://211.ca/
(Connects you with local mental health, counselling, and support services.)Canada (crisis or emotional distress):
Call or text 988 (24/7)
(You don’t have to be suicidal to reach out — support is available for moments of overwhelm or distress.)Outside Canada:
Find local support at https://findahelpline.com/If you’re in immediate danger, please contact your local emergency services.
You’re not alone in what you’re feeling.
-
Emotional distress can escalate rapidly during routine procedures, even when informed consent has been given and the patient appears cooperative.
Visible signs of distress (such as shaking, rapid breathing, or tears) indicate autonomic nervous system activation and may require relational support alongside technical care.
Silence during moments of acute distress may be experienced as emotional withdrawal, even when care is proceeding appropriately and without error.
Brief, neutral verbal acknowledgment can help regulate distress without interrupting or prolonging care.
Examples include:“I can see this is hard.”
“You’re doing okay — I’m here.”
“We’re almost done. I’ll tell you before the next step.”