This article describes paruresis and will offer help for those that suffer from shy bladder syndrome by listening to an effective Self-Hypnosis audio recording.
When other people are present, some people can’t pee. A person with paruresis (shy bladder syndrome) finds it difficult or impossible to urinate ( can’t pee). Paruresis is thought to be the second most frequent social phobia, after the dread of public speaking. Paruresis is frequently first seen in school. Men and women of all races are affected by the disease. Paruresis is a rare occurrence in mild situations, similar to a sort of performance anxiety. When a man is flanked by several males at a public urinal, for example, he may be unable to urinate. A person with paruresis can only urinate while alone at home in severe circumstances. ‘Avoidant paruresis,’ ‘psychogenic urinary retention,’ and ‘pee-phobia’ are among terms used to describe the illness.
- The need for complete privacy when going to the toilet
- Fear of other people hearing the urine hit the toilet water
- Fear of other people smelling the urine
- Negative self-talk while trying to urinate, for example: ‘I can’t do it. I’m never going to pee. I’m such an idiot.’
- Inability to urinate in public toilets or at other people’s homes
- Inability to urinate at home when guests are present
- Inability to urinate at home if someone is waiting outside the toilet
- Feeling anxious about needing to go to the toilet
- Restricting drinks to reduce the need for urination
- Avoiding travel and social events.
Similar To Agoraphobia
Severe paruresis can have a comparable impact on a person’s life as agoraphobia, which is worry over being in places or situations where escaping appears difficult (typically, fear of crowds or being outside the home).
If a person can only urinate successfully at home, they could avoid leaving the house. This has the potential to lower quality of life and limit work options.
The Root of the Problem is Psychological
Because nothing is wrong with the person’s urinary tract, paruresis is not a physical condition. For urine to pass from the bladder through the urethra, the urinary sphincter must be relaxed. Anxiety over urinating overstimulates the neural system, causing the sphincter to ‘clamp’ shut. Failure to urinate increases a person’s anxiety, especially if the bladder is overflowing.
An humiliating occurrence, such as the inability to urinate into a cup in front of a doctor or nurse, might trigger social anxiety in certain people. Worrying about the embarrassing experience makes the person apprehensive of urinating in public.
Treatment Options
You may like to consider joining a paruresis support group. In severe cases, it may be helpful to see a psychologist. Treatment may include:
- Relaxation techniques – to learn a range of strategies to help reduce anxiety. Self-hypnosis is a proven strategy to improve relaxation.
- Psychotherapy – a type of counselling that helps you deal with the here and now, and teaches problem solving.
- Cognitive behavioural therapy – changing the way you think and behave.
- Graduated exposure therapy – a step-by-step program that involves deliberately trying to urinate in increasingly more difficult places. About eight people out of every 10 with paruresis are helped by graduated exposure therapy.
One of the best ways to begin to correct the issue is by listening to self-hypnosis audio sessions. It’s private and you listen to the recorded sessions on your own schedule. You can find out more about using the hypnosis download, Overcoming Shy Bladder (paruresis).
