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Mountaindewed
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Default May 11, 2019 at 07:33 PM
  #1
Does anyone else have anxiety about public restrooms? I have an extreme phobia about them. I think mine started in kindergarten when I got locked in my classrooms bathroom. I had to yell for someone to open the door for me. Some kids dad was there giving a demonstration of something or other so he opened it for me. The next year in 1st grade I was so scared to use the bathroom despite it being stalls and not a single bathroom I ended up peeing my pants. That summer I was scared to use the bathroom at the pool and my mom was trying to get me to use it and she was trying a reward system and she said “if you use it I’ll tell dad to bring you home a candy bar.” It didn’t work but luckily I was able to hold it.

As an adult it came back in 2010 when I tried using the bathroom at Walmart and a lady didn’t lock the stall and then started yelling at me like it was my fault. Single stalls bothered me because I had issues where people were yanking and banging on the doors so hard so hard and almost giving me a heart attack.

These past few weeks it’s gotten so bad to the point where I’m in distress but I’m scared to use a public restroom. I’ll go 8-9 hours without going until I’m home. I almost threw up a couple weeks ago because I had to go so badly at work.

Is anyone else like this? Does anyone have any suggestions on how to get over it?

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downandlonely
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Default May 11, 2019 at 07:41 PM
  #2
I don't enjoy using public restrooms, but can't go that long without peeing. Sorry, wish I could think of something helpful to say.
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Default May 12, 2019 at 03:53 AM
  #3
I don't particuarly enjoy using them either (for me, it's not knowing what that person has left behind on the seat, or the floor, or what ever), I don't think it's an anxiety for me as such, just a dislike

on the subject of restrooms though, I wonder if anyone has the issue of not being able to use the restroom at another person's house. that's one of my issues, it's like, my body all ready knows that it has to hold until I get back
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Default May 13, 2019 at 04:29 PM
  #4
I absolutely hate public rest rooms.I have a fear that someone will be using it then I will be in trouble but maybe this sounds stupid but I dont want anyone smelling me.my doctor has only one bathroom .What am I suppose to do if someone is using it? I perfer to use mine at home I could never hold it.It seems like the second u go into one somenone is already waiting to use it.I need to relax and not be rushed
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Default May 14, 2019 at 03:11 PM
  #5
I hate them and dread especially using a gas station washroom but I have no choice. I can't hold it long.
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CepheidVariable
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Default May 19, 2019 at 06:21 PM
  #6
So am I correct in understanding that it's not a germ/ickyness issue, but anxiety about the situations you might get into?

If possible, I'd suggest not waiting until you really need to go. That will limit your options, place you under a time constraint, and add to your stress overall.

People sometimes forget to throw the lock/occupied sign or fail to do so correctly. So maybe you want to knock before entering a stall or single occupant toilet?

I don't know if this helps ... I have to clean washrooms at work. I'm a guy. So before entering the women's washrooms, I knock loudly and call out "cleaning service" then wait a few moments to give anyone a chance to respond. Obviously I wait if someone is in there and can leave if someone needs to use the facilities while I'm already in there. And for what it's worth, I have social anxiety. (Gee, I didn't think I'd be typing *this* message when I got up this morning. )
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Default May 19, 2019 at 08:07 PM
  #7
No it’s not a contamination issue. Although I won’t use it at work because I don’t want a customer complaining about some imaginary mess they thought I made. I talked with my therapist about it on Thursday and it looks like I might be starting exposure therapy about the issue.

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Default May 20, 2019 at 11:54 PM
  #8
I much prefer to use the stalls when I can. Urinals definitely send a twinge of anxiety down my spine and I have to be pretty desperate to use one.

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