As medical professionals, it’s your job to understand various conditions, how they happen, and how they can affect your patients. The mental stress a person can go through when dealing with a medical condition can be a lot to handle, so knowing how these issues form can help you figure out ways to help your patients through them.
Today, we’ll be taking a look at incontinence anxiety and the reasons why people develop it. While there’s not a lot of research around this issue, it’s something those with incontinence deal with regularly, so let’s go in-depth on why people get so anxious about this condition.
Incontinence Is Embarrassing
The main reason why incontinence can be so stress-inducing is because of what the condition entails. Someone who is incontinent can’t control their bladder as well as they used to. This is an issue they likely haven’t had to deal with since they were an infant. Because of that, the issue as a whole can feel childish. Plus, people regularly make fun of others who can’t hold their urine.
This forces people to constantly worry about others discovering their current predicament. As a medical professional, it’s up to you to normalize this condition as much as possible. Incontinence is a fairly common issue in many adults, so informing your patient about this can help ease their mind a bit.
Dealing With It Discretely Is Stressful
Even if you help your patient feel better about having incontinence, it’s unlikely that they’ll want to tell everyone they know about it, which is understandable. However, this will make it much more difficult for them to deal with the problem throughout the day.
They’ll need to find excuses to go to the bathroom without others catching on. Then, they’ll need to discretely change their incontinence brief or catheter without anyone noticing or finding the evidence in the trashcan. This can lead to a lot more stress overall.
Unfortunately, there’s not much that one can do to overcome this other than practice. The better they get at changing these incontinence products out, the less likely someone will notice. Luckily, you can let them know there are bags they can buy to put these items inside after use so they can dispose of them more discretely when out of the house.
The Problem Is Wildly Misunderstood
The final reason why people develop incontinence anxiety simply comes down to the fact that the general public wildly misunderstands this medical condition. Most people think incontinence is something that only happens to seniors and that it’s completely irreversible. Neither of these is true, so it’s up to you to ensure your patients know the facts after learning they have this issue.
Also, you should tell them everything they need to know about dealing with their incontinence before they leave your facility. For example, giving some professional tips to new catheter users will help ensure they understand how to use these products effectively. In doing so, you’ll significantly reduce the stress they’ll encounter when using them for the first time.
Read Also
- When Health Care Feels Personal Again — The Clinic Model That’s Making a Difference in Wilmington
When your doctor remembers your name, something shifts. Health care feels impersonal for many: crowded clinics, brief visits, and records that don’t connect people to consistent care. In Wilmington, community clinics pair patients with steady teams and shared records so appointments build on what came before. Those clinics are bringing physical and mental health into… Read more: When Health Care Feels Personal Again — The Clinic Model That’s Making a Difference in Wilmington - Cellular Tissue Allografts for Regenerative Healing SupportHave you ever wondered how the body can naturally restore damaged tissue and speed up recovery? Medical science has advanced to harness this remarkable ability through innovative biological therapies. Among these, cellular tissue allografts are emerging as a key method in regenerative healing. These grafts use naturally derived materials to promote repair at a cellular… Read more: Cellular Tissue Allografts for Regenerative Healing Support
- Balancing Mobility and Comfort with Chiropractic ScienceSetting the Stage for Spinal Wellness The spine is your structural command center. Without it, mobility collapses and comfort erodes one vertebra at a time. Modern work habits grind it down: hours hunched at a desk, eyes locked to screens, bodies repeating the same micro-movements until muscles rebel. This chronic strain bleeds into productivity, mood,… Read more: Balancing Mobility and Comfort with Chiropractic Science
- Discover Comfortable Assisted Living Options for SeniorsGrowing older brings changes, but it also opens doors to new beginnings. For many seniors, it’s a time to trade the stress of upkeep and isolation for peace, safety, and connection. Assisted living isn’t about giving up independence-it’s about gaining support that allows life to be enjoyed fully, without worry. Finding the right place means… Read more: Discover Comfortable Assisted Living Options for Seniors
- From Silence to Support: Mental Health in Older GenerationsDid you know that some adults aged 65 and older feel very sad or worried, just like younger people do? Many of them keep these feelings to themselves and don’t ask for help. This can make them feel even more alone. Sometimes, people are afraid to talk about mental health because they think others won’t… Read more: From Silence to Support: Mental Health in Older Generations
- Healthy Living Tips Every Senior Should Know for VitalityGrowing older brings new ways to enjoy life with balance and grace. Every choice made each day can shape how strong and lively one feels. Simple changes can lead to a brighter, more active lifestyle. Health at any age is about keeping the body and mind connected. It’s about living each day with purpose, ease,… Read more: Healthy Living Tips Every Senior Should Know for Vitality
- Enhancing Communication Skills in Senior CareEffective communication skills are essential in any caregiving environment, but they become even more critical in senior care. Seniors often face unique challenges, including physical, cognitive, and emotional changes that can impact their ability to communicate. Enhancing communication skills in senior care not only helps caregivers connect better with seniors, but it also significantly boosts… Read more: Enhancing Communication Skills in Senior Care
