Environmental Triggers Of Shy Bladder Syndrome
I’ve already explained that paruresis is not a physical condition as there’s nothing medically wrong with the urinary tract. It’s a psychological condition caused by anxiety. But usually something in the past triggered it off in the first place. Some environmental factor occurred that started the downhill spiral of shy bladder. This could be anything but here’s a few of the more common ones that are reported:
- Embarrassment. Some embarrassing event kicked it off and worrying about it has made things worse. This could be something like not being able to produce a urine sample for a doctor at one time when very young or as a result of something or someone that caused you embarrassment in a public restroom. The embarrassment has festered in the back of the mind and anxiety has built up to the point where it’s impossible to pee when anyone is around.
- Teasing. We all know what kids can be like and perhaps some form of bathroom teasing has triggered the anxiety off.
- Bullying And Harassment. This is a common cause of general anxiety and shy bladder is no different. Bullying, especially in our younger years, in relation to the toilet is a very common trigger of shy bladder.
- Pressure To Perform. This could stem right back to excess parental pressure during potty training or similar.
- Sexual Abuse. Some form of restroom abuse can understandably trigger the anxiety.
This is in no way an exhaustive list of initial triggers of shy bladder syndrome. There are many other events that could easily be the cause. But, you get the idea. Something in your past, some historical event, has caused this change in your minds natural reactions to restrooms. You may already know what this is but it’s highly probable that it wont be that easy to identify.
Current Triggers Of Shy Bladder Syndrome
I’ve looked at the initial triggers and what could have caused the onset of the condition. But what about the triggers that cause the daily onset of a shy bladder anxiety attack?
There are varying degrees of triggers and “severity” of the condition. In ascending order:
- A compact, full, public toilet with urinals. Particularly associated with the portable / temporary restrooms (none of us particularly like these!).
- A restroom that’s only accessible at certain times and hence very busy (theatre intervals etc).
- A small public restroom which is full and with people queuing.
- A small restroom with just two urinals making it impossible for space if someone else comes in.
- A quiet and fairly large restroom with a few people but no one waiting.
- A large restroom with individually partitioned urinals with a few others around.
- A familiar public restroom with a couple of people present.
- A restroom for one single person.
What I’m suggesting is that the worst case of shy bladder syndrome will mean that a sufferer will be unable to start a flow even when in a public restroom for one person and hence in almost complete privacy. They will not even be able to pee in a locked cubical in a public toilet. For others it mat be just the really busy places where they struggle. Situations where they can’t select their space and it’s 100% certain that they’ll have people standing either side of them with no privacy at all.
Shy Bladder – Consider Your Situation
So, the next time you find yourself unable to go to the toilet – stop and consider two things:
- Think back to what may have started the anxiety in the first place. What was this initial trigger? If you can get to the root of this it will make it so much easier to cure the condition. Don’t worry though – it’s still possible to cure it even if you can’t work this out.
- Establish the severity of your own paruresis. What situation or environment triggers the anxiety “attack”. Is it confined to busy compact restrooms or does it affect you even in relative privacy?
Treating The Triggers Of Shy Bladder
Understanding the triggers of shy bladder syndrome can be of great help in treatment of which there are many different options. I personally preferred the self help shy bladder treatment option and there are particular programs I want to tell you about: