How to Overcome Shy Bladder

Paruresis, more commonly known as shy bladder syndrome, is a condition where you cannot urinate when other people are nearby. Depending on how severe the condition is, you may not be able to urinate at all outside your own home. Even when you try, your body will not let you. Shy bladder is a form of anxiety, and it can be hard to cope with, especially for those who do not realize that many others have the same problem. You may feel trapped in your house and unable to go out with friends because of your shy bladder. The good news is that shy bladder can be treated over time. Here are a few ways you can overcome your shy bladder through practice, support groups or therapy.

Instructions

• 1

  Schedule a check-up with your doctor. He or she will want to rule out medical conditions to make sure your shy bladder is not caused by a health problem.

• 2

  Practice using the restroom in different places. Start with a place where you are comfortable enough to use the restroom. Move on to a place where you are uncomfortable but can still use the restroom. Try places where you are more and more uncomfortable using the restroom until you either overcome the problem or are not able to move past the discomfort of being in a certain place.

• 3

  Find a support group. Group therapy can help you overcome your fears.

• 4

  Practice going to the restroom with a trained therapist nearby. The therapist will start by being outside the bathroom at a distance far enough away that you can urinate. Each time you use the restroom, the therapist will move closer until he or she is finally immediately outside the door and you can successfully urinate with the therapist there.

• 5

  Learn about your disorder. Know that it is not your fault and that many people have the same problem. Information can help you relax and make therapy more successful.

• 6

  Talk to your employer about your problem so they will understand if you can't perform on a random drug test. Visit a therapist or a doctor to get a statement if your employer needs proof.

• 7

  Practice meditation to help relax your body. With time, you may be able to concentrate on the calm feeling you experience during meditation to help you overcome your fears while you're in a public restroom .

• 8

  Practice self-hypnosis or hypnosis with a therapist. Hypnosis is not brainwashing as many people believe. It is simply a form of meditation where you relax and listen to soothing words to help ease your fears.

• 9

  Ask your therapist about anti-anxiety medications if you also experience depression or panic attacks with your shy bladder or if your condition does not improve with therapy and practice.