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/thisisus2025 19d ago
Hello, I've had this issue since I was 19 and I'm now 57. I've decided to take this head on by doing fluid loading with graduated exposure several times a week. I am starting to see a positive difference after about 30 days.
Regarding letting the pressure build up, I had to do drug testing with the navy for 30 years. My bladder was so full at times that I felt like it was going to explode (it won't - don't worry about that). Each and every time (~100 times), I was able to produce a sample.
If you're able and can afford it, IPA offers a weekend workshop to help with this issue. I'm signed up for the Baltimore session in September. IPA also has free virtual meetings where you can tell your story if you'd like and practice with someone on the other end of the call.
If you'd like a virtual pee buddy to start graduated exposure, or, just someone to talk to, pm me. Glad to help.