Also Geordie, I wanted to tell you you are not alone in this. When I need to go really bad too, I also start feeling too warm and very uncomfortable. I am soooo glad you shared that with us as I was sure I was alone in this and was too shy to bring it up! I am sorry you have to deal with this also but quite releived that I am not the only one!
I find it comforting to know where the bathroom is in case I need to 'escape' but as Diva says, if I do go I come back to the situation. I would try the thought challenging. I also try really hard not to go off to the bathroom though as while it can help my panic subside, it can come back again when I have to re-enter the situation.
On a different note, but kind of related.. I sometimes have the opposite kind of problem - when I actually need to go to the toilet (especially if it's for.. sorry about this - number 2's) I begin to feel panicky, get sweaty, heart beats faster etc.. until I go to the toilet then I usually find it subsides soon after.. maybe I'm just weird.. (sorry for grossing anyone out)
I have had bathroom issues too when stressed out. I find thought challenging to be a very useful tool for theese kinds of situations. It helps me calm down and once I calm down the need to go to the bathroom subsides. Sometimes I just excuse myself and go to the bathroom but I make sure to come back to the situation. Luckily for me I have been mostly in situations where it is possible to excuse myself. Anyway, sorry I cannot be more helpful. Mostly I just wanted you to know you are not alone with that.
We have had a few members who have experienced the same problem.
You may want to try voiding before entering those social situations in addition to a relaxation technique. Thoughts challenging during the social situation.may also be helpful. Lastly, exposing yourself to social situations more often should help and our program can help you do that so do start working through it.
Okay, well, first some good news: for a while I suffering from panic attacks where the feeling of unreality I was experiencing were truly crushing. Lately, those aren't around and I've been somewhat less avoidant (I'm a freelance copywriter who works from home, so being avoidant is easy). What has come back is what I realize has been a panic symptom of mine dating back to childhood: In social situations I feel the need to urinate. It's a false need that stems from the same place as the larger attacks did. I know this because the sensation disappears as soon as the social situation is over. It makes meetings difficult.
Anyone have this? Anyone found any useful tactics for dealing?
