Introducing Bathrooms Make Me Nervous: A Guidebook for
Women with Urination Anxiety (Shy Bladder)

Do you have trouble using a bathroom when you think others may be present?

Do you become anxious that someone may be watching, listening, or waiting for you?

Are you too embarrassed to tell your doctor or a friend about your distress?

You may have a type of social anxiety disorder known as shy bladder (paruresis), one that affects millions of people and can result in serious disruption of life.  

For more than 40 years, I suffered from a severe case. Almost every waking moment my attention was focused on everyday rituals – the when, where, how and whether I could urinate that day and the consequences of not being able to do so. When am I going to find that next safe bathroom? If I’m thirsty, can I risk drinking something now?     

As a result, I missed out on all kinds of life-affirming activities and opportunities. In short, my condition ran my life – it defined who I was to a large degree – and I felt very alone and isolated because of it.     

After many years of struggle, I have now completely recovered. As a result, my life has changed in many positive ways.

I want to share my long journey with you through a book I wrote, Bathrooms Make Me Nervous: A Guidebook for Women with Urination Anxiety (Shy Bladder). In it I provide female and male paruretics - and those who treat and support them -  with the wisdom that I and others have gained from our personal experiences with this condition.

It is my sincere hope that by reading my book you will find inspiration and encouragement to undertake or continue your quest for recovery.

Sincerely,
Carol Olmert