Overcoming Shy Bladder?

First, let me get all the misconceptions out of the way- I'm not afraid of germs in public bathrooms, it's not that I just don't want to use public bathrooms (I physically lock up if others are around), just drinking a lot or having to go badly enough doesn't solve it, and this doesn't only affect old men; I'm a teenage girl. Has anyone overcome a shy bladder without the use of catheters or drugs? This is ruining my life, and traveling is a nightmare (I have to travel in the very near future). Please don't joke around; only answer if you actually know what you're talking about!

Yes, the stalls have doors, but that doesn't make a difference. Everyone can see through the "windows" between the door and the wall and I can see them, plus we can all hear each other. There really isn't any privacy at all... (This is in the U.S., by the way; I've heard the stalls in other countries are so much more private.)

Part of the details in your question raises a red flag.

Read what you wrote and think about how serious it sounds.

"It's physically impossible for me to go in front of people, so if I were in a situation like that, my bladder would stretch infinitely until its muscles would fail and it became impossible to pee anywhere without a catheter."

I would suggest you speak with your parents and your family Medical Doctor about finding the right kind of help to get you beyond this problem.

On a logical level you know that everybody empties their bladders and makes noise when they pee. But still you are unable to do it. Rather than damage your bladder I hope you seek professional help.

These three links have a great deal of information. Certainly you have severe paruresis and these two articles will give you a good start on what kind of help to look for.

Actual treatments for the condition include:

cognitive behavior therapy,
training with biofeedback,
anti-anxiety medications, and
reducing the level of privacy at which the condition triggers by indulging in graduated exposure therapy. There are also self-help workshops held around the country which practice exposure therapy.

http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/BHCV2...

http://www.webmd.com/content/article/41/...

http://www.paruresisadvice.com/

Seriously, just relax. It sounds simple, but it's all in your mind. Don't think about using the bathroom, think about something relaxing. The more you think about it, the worse it gets.

Don't be embarrassed! This happens to some people. There is nothing wrong with you it happens to me sometimes too. Its such a pain! What helps me is just relaxing, take a few deep breaths, and maybe (this sounds stupid) sing a song in ur head. Sounds like you may have an anxiety problem? I had the exact same problem and now that I am on medicine it has improved my life dramatically! I felt the same way about it ruining my life. But taking medicine sometimes is the only solution. It will all be okay ;] Best of luck!