Strange and kinda gross ?

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-29-2003
Strange and kinda gross ?
3
Sun, 04-03-2005 - 5:18pm

Does any one else find they have anxiety or panic attacks around bowel movements? I know this sounds strange but I seem to have anxiety attacks everytime I go to the bathroom. Just wanted to know if anyone else has this problem.

Thanks

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Sun, 04-03-2005 - 8:15pm

Hi! Nice to see you on the board. You are not alone. What you experience is something common, but not discussed much. It all has to do with the adrenaline surge that causes a panic attack. The body's fight or flight mechanism is set into motion. The increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, feelings of fear cause many folks to have the urge to move their bowels immediately. Hundreds of thousands of years ago, when our ancestors were the prey, they needed this adrenaline surge to get away from the threat of a lion or any predatory animal. A bowel movement & urination made our ancestor lighter & capable of running quicker to save their lives. When we have a panic attack, the same process is set in motion, though we have nothing to run from. Research is still out, as to why or how this process gets triggered.


A good friend of mine who also suffers from panic attacks has often joked that when the ambulance arrives to get her(& me too!) they'll find us quaking on the commode. It sure isn't funny when it's happening. BTW, I have had times when

 

 


 



iVillage Member
Registered: 03-29-2003
Sun, 04-03-2005 - 11:34pm

Thanks, its good to know I am not the only one with this issue. I have had a few really bad panic attacks lately and ended up in the bathroom and now every time Iam in the bathroom I am afraid I am going to have another attack. Thanks for responding.

Candie

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-07-2003
Mon, 04-04-2005 - 8:27pm
Candie My daughters only panic attack so far!! was when she was having a bowel movement.
I was blessed it was about the only place I never had one!! I however had shower phobia
the steam would make me breathe differently setting off the panic response----
Jan gave good advice! It is not going to kill you just let it pass! take care! Judy