Shame Phobia - Paresis.

The Story
Hello, I am joining here with a slightly more unusual problem, defined by some people as a phobia. I suffer from so-called "paruresis" or shy-bladder syndrome, or simply put it is the inability to urinate when there are other people around, in public toilets or when I know that someone is waiting for me, that they can hear me, etc.
 
This may sound strange to many people, but it is a real mental problem that affects 7% of the world's population, men are more often affected. The problem is not in the physical impossibility but in the mental barrier. There are also help groups abroad for such conditions. Over time, this phobia deepens and begins to occupy an increasing place in my daily life, because instead of enjoying life, going out freely, traveling, I start thinking where and how I can go to the toilet, will I succeed to relieve myself, if I fail, I start blaming myself, and "squeezing" until I get home. There is a vicious circle in which the fear of a possible "failure" in the toilet makes the sufferer of paruresis avoid going to the toilet in public places, to shut himself in, to avoid socialization. Because it is a "shameful problem", it often remains hidden and even those closest to it do not know about it. I am writing here in the hope of meeting someone who has encountered something like this or knows someone who is. Any help and feedback would be welcome.
 
I will appreciate if the topic is not ridiculed because I believe that no mental disorder deserves underestimation and ridicule. Thanks.
Last Updated
July 21, 2020
Author:
love___is

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