Content caution: this blog talks about bladder weakness
Although bladder weakness is not as well-known as some of the other symptoms of anxiety, it can actually be a trigger point for some people’s stress.
Bladder weakness isn’t solely related to anxiety. It can be caused by other factors and it will look different for every person.
Bladder weakness can involve:
- constantly needing to go to the toilet, even if you’ve just been
- urine leaks when you’re stressed
- not being able to control your bladder
As well as speaking to your doctor about this, you can use absorbent products, for example pads and also incontinence underwear (depending on your symptoms). If possible, try and identify what it is that worsens the symptoms. This may help you in determining a plan to feel more in control of the situation. Some people find that dietary changes can make a change too.
I started feeling a constant urge to go to the toilet in January of 2020. It was the reason for me being unable to attend classes for 3 months before the pandemic started and we went into lockdown. When I would go to school to pick up work or speak to a teacher if I needed help, I’d have my mum waiting for me in the car while I quickly spoke to who I needed to and then left. Despite living within 5 minutes driving distance of my school, I would use the toilet at least 4 times in the half hour periods of going to school and coming back. I can completely understand how this could cause even more anxiety for someone – it certainly did for me. It reached a point where the anxiety of me wetting myself became stronger than the actual urge to use the toilet. I felt so embarrassed and ashamed about something that was completely out of my control. Luckily, lockdown helped me to gain control over the majority of urges, simply because I wasn’t having to leave the house, but I still make sure that I have absorbent products on me wherever I go. It terrifies me that the feeling could take me by surprise and that’s why, personally, I think it’s one of the more difficult symptoms to deal with.
As I mentioned before, you should speak to your doctor about this if you are able to. I am only addressing bladder weakness as a symptom of anxiety, but it can be the result of many other things too. There isn’t just one way to deal with it, so it’s worth doing some research and seeing what may work for you!
Although absorbent pads didn’t solve the feeling, it still meant that the overriding fear of needing the toilet wasn’t as intense. This was such an important first step in feeling more confident. Because I know that the feeling is directly related to me leaving the house, I know that I can take steps which make me feel prepared; steps which means that my brain is aware that if I wet myself, I’ll be the only one who knows. It doesn’t matter if no one else understands why you do certain things if those things make you feel more comfortable or safe.
You are stronger than you think, keep fighting.
Love and good vibes,
Amrit