[bella_]

a while ago i started to suffer from panic attacks and the rush of nerves used to make me need to go to the toilet, now the panic attackts very rarely happen but i have a fear if i am in a place where i can't easily get to a toilet and am always looking out for the nearest one. i have never had a problem with this before and cant think of any reason why i would have a fear of 'wetting myself' as i never have so was wondering of anyone has experienced anything similar or could offer some advise.

[Parker10]

Whew - your story brings back memories ! I knew where the bathroom was in every store, and every road from home to all towns around me ! Its part of the irrational thinking that we develop with panic attacks - catastrophizing. I wrote rational self statements on a 3x5 card such as "I dont always have to find a bathroom when I am out", "If I need to find a bathroom, I certainly have enough time to do so before there is an accident", rather than thinking "I ALWAYS have to go to the bathroom when I am out", etc. I read that card literally 1,000's of times, until my "stinkin thinkin" changed to more rational thoughts. (Assuming you are female - Depends or something along that line are wonderful to wear if you are really obsessing, OR if you are going to be somewhere there is no easily accessible bathroom). You are not alone with this problem, and it is one you can overcome.

Welcome to PC !!

[Miss_A]

Welcome to the forums Bella_. Do you drink alot? Because when we drink alot of amounts of water we tend to have to stop and use the toilet. Relax deep breath if worst comes to worse take something to go in that is small. Could time yourself if you know when you need to go to the loo. Have rest stops. Stupid question but when was the last time you wet yourself? If it was ages ago, I wouldn't worry. But if you still feel like your going to wet yourself get checked out by a nurse doctor GP. Try not to worry if you wet yourself which i don't think so make sure you have a spare change of pants. It's ok.....

[ickydog2006]

I know what you mean. Although I didn't go through th exact same thing I do know where every bathroom is ,and all areas that I can escape to to be alone, everywhere I go. I don't have panic attacks much anymore ever since I have been on meds, but I still am paranoid that I am going to have one and need to get away. I also am paranoid about other issues because of my experiences with panic attacks. I have no advice. I just wanted to let you know that you are defidently not alone.

[bella_]

thanks for your advise it is comforting to know that i am not alone in this, when you say it brings back memories i read this to be that you have now overcome these fears which is so encouraging for me. thanks again. bx

Hi Bella,

Wow, brings back memories, like others said. lol

I asked an MD about that once, and his answer to me, if I remember correctly was, that our nerves are very closely related to our , ummm, well you know, our elimanation tracks. I wish I could remember his exact words, but I do remember the jest of his authourity. Tis always good to know the way our systems work, so maybe this will help you, having this bit of knowledge.

[SeptemberMorn]

Hi, Bella! That's what my grandkids call me! Seems weird using it for someone else. LOL

Anyway, yeah. I've heard that some people have that fear to the point that they always have an extra change of clothes with them. It never happens, but they've got that phobia. That's what it is, just like being afraid to get in an elevator or looking over a balcony. (claustrophobia and fear of heights)

The way I got over my phobias after developing anxiety was to DESENSITIZE. Start small and prove to yourself that it's not going to happen; like going on short trips where you've scoped out public bathrooms, and then increase the time. Prove to yourself that it won't happen and make sure you acknowledge it to yourself.

Good luck!