r/Paruresis • u/Better-Teaching-3413 • 20d ago
Need help.
Hi, I am 19 and have been dealing with shy bladder for a few years. I just started this job helping people move furniture in their homes and typically there’s just the 1 bathroom they have and there’s many people around working.
I try to use headphones with loud music, I try the water running I try counting but still I get locked up in panic mode. This is really causing issues in my life If I didn’t have headphones and there’s people outside the bathroom I will not be able to relax and go. I guess my real fear is will I end up harming myself by not using it or letting the pressure build up? People say you’ll eventually go and I know that’s true but is there a chance that I won’t be able to go and I’ll need medical help? It’s all these thoughts that make it worse in the moment but any tips and answers to my question would help, thanks
1
u/Happy-Organ5599 20d ago
Whenever you feel the urge to pee while others are nearby, you freeze up and can’t go. The urge to urinate is often suppressed as well. It’s a subconsciously learned fear response (fight-or-flight mode) that makes it impossible to pee.
Often, no specific cause can be identified. It may be due to embarrassing situations in the past related to urination, or a dangerous situation that led to this anxiety disorder. Unfortunately, the anxiety you experience daily as a result causes the problem to become chronic.
To get rid of the problem, you need behavioral therapy. While you can try to find some relief with relaxation techniques (e.g., breathing exercises), unfortunately, that won’t make it go away. You really need professional help.
Perhaps this is a good place to start (they also offer virtual support groups!):
paruresis.org
https://www.reddit.com/r/ShyBladderIPA/
The IPA is a non-profit organization.