Strangest phobia ever... - Phobias Message Board

housemum · 10-20-2003, 07:34 PM

I have a phobia about my bowels. Its embarrassing and I've had this about 18 years now. I have NEVER known anyone else to talk about this. I've heard it called "shy bowel" syndrome. I can't poo or pee in public places and sometimes even at home without horrible anxiety.

It is not a physical problem, but mental. I've gotten some therapy with it, but it didn't work. Anti-depressants worked in the past, but now the problem has seemed to return.

It effects my life as one must perform these bodily functions daily. I make due, but I feel so alone in this. Even my therapist laughed abit and thought my phobia strange. That made me feel worse and she tried to "re-train" me as a child.

I'm just wondering how common this phobia is and if there is anyone here on these boards that have it and how they deal with it.

Probably not, but I'm asking anyway.

Freerida · 10-22-2003, 06:02 AM

Try and confront your phobia head on. If your up to it, go to a doctor or therapista and ask to learn more about them, that is the only way of over coming your fear, is to face it. I used to be scared stiff of tight spaces, so, i went and stood in a closet for 2 days. I used to be scared of snakes, so i went to a guy and asked to yold his snake and i over came that fear too, yes you phobia may be weird, but you should not be ashamed, but you should want to over come it!!!

thoyts · 10-22-2003, 02:46 PM

hey,
it is a little funny. What about Finch in american pie. he had that trouble.....
seriously though, I find it hard to poo away from home. peeing's okay though. In fact my 2 year old NEVER poos except at home, which makes me think that its probably quite common. It's a pretty "prone" position squatting. It's probably instinct. I expect that your phobia is not quite as unusual as you think.

10-22-2003, 04:32 PM

Please don't be embarrassed or think this phobia is strange in any way. You have to admit, it is a little humorous. But, I have the same fear!! I am SLOWLY getting over it. I used to hold it and hold it and hold it. I once went 4 days at a camp in high school. When I was in college and working part time it wasn't an issue, I was never in one place for an extended amount of time so it was easy to run back to my dorm or apartment. Now that I work full time though, I am realizing I HAVE to get over this fear or I will make myself sick!!

It hasn't been easy, when I can't hold it I say I am sick and go home.... but less and less frequently. It helped to get a close buddy at work to share my fear with and guess what... she is the same way! So, we found the least used stall in the least used bathroom and when we have to go we let the other know. That helps me in feeling like I am not doing something bad, it's natrural, and to have someone to laugh about it with me helps.

Anyway, good luck... your fear is very valid, but try to look at the funny side!!

lori j · 10-23-2003, 12:26 AM

I have the same phobia (except the peeing in public places). I heard somewhere that there is actually a name for this & it's more common than we realize, just no one wants to admit to it.
Both of my grown sons are the same way, were in school & now at work. You are not alone.