Well, what can i say, ive had this problem for as long as i can remember. Must have started when i was around 14ish, started off lightly enough but has become much worse as the years have gone by. I am now 25 and the problem is really starting to affect my life in terms of friendships and a social life. My problem is different in the sense that i dont have a problem with going to the toilet to do a no.2, whether it be in my home or when im at work etc. The problem arises with the fear of having to go but being stranded somewhere where i cannot. I guess this stems back from when i had a few experiences where i urgently needed to use the bathroom but couldnt. It started innocently enough with having to use the bathroom before i went out in the morning to school. But over the years it has grown especially after having "near misses" in terms of having to go but nowhere to go to. Its now gotten to the stage where im constanly breaking off plans with my friends. Im a virtual recluse, only really going out when i have to. If they invite me to some place ive never been before i would immediately make excuses or promise that i would go only to break it off at the last minute. Now im getting to the stage where im not in as much contact with my friends as i would like to, or all together loosing friends because i dont seem that sociable. If for example on the odd chance that i do out for a drink etc, or to a friends house, im always anxious, wondering where the nearest toilet is, and what would be the best time to go. I would often go many times in the day before an event so as to minimise the chance of me going. The problem is the unknown i guess. Not knowing when i will have a desperate urge to go to the toilet and not having a place to go to. Its completely overtaking my life and i just really want a solution. Its definately deep rooted now because to be honest, and as silly as it sounds, ive even had dreams about being those kinda situations. I think ive got to retrain myself mentally. Ive got to be more relaxed in certain situations, and less anxious. All this however is more easier to say than do. Anyway, i thought id post this message because ive got to go out tonight, friends gathering for christmas eve and i definately dont want to miss it seeing that ive missed so many before. Maybe talking about it will make it better. Well, thanks for listening though, i hope i can get better from this.
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