Toilet Anxiety

What is it?

Toilet anxiety is a recognised form of anxiety that can present in different ways; fears may include being too far from a toilet; using public toilets; feeling that others are watching, listening, or judging; being unable to go to the toilet; or concerns about cleanliness. Because of the private nature of these difficulties, many people are reluctant to talk about them or to seek support. However, toilet anxiety is not uncommon and can affect almost anyone. Symptoms range in severity; for some the impact may be mild, while for others it can be highly disruptive to daily life. The encouraging news is that support and treatment can make a substantial difference; many people find that with the right strategies they are able to manage or significantly reduce their symptoms, even after many years.

DIY self diagnosis

If you can answer YES to most of the questions it is likely that you may be affected by toilet phobia. During the last 6 months:

Have you experienced fear and concerns around going to the toilet?
Have your fears or concerns about going to the toilet influenced your daily life?
Has the idea of having to use a public toilet left you feeling anxious?
Have you found yourself worrying that others may overhear you when using the toilet?

Anxiety UK strongly advises that people seek further information and guidance from their GP who will be able to make a formal diagnosis.

Toilet Anxiety

Toilet Anxiety/Phobia Fact Sheet

This fact sheet gives a detailed overview, as well as a look at some of the approaches to treating toilet anxiety/phobia.

Download Here

Recommended resources

Toilet anxiety/phobia booklet and DVD resource

The Toilet Anxiety/Phobia Booklet includes real experiences from a range of individuals about “Toilet anxiety/phobia”. Get your copy from the online Anxiety UK shop here.

The Toilet Anxiety/phobia DVD lets you hear from a range of individuals who experience anxieties and fears associated with using the toilet. Get your copy from the online Anxiety UK shop here.

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