Fear of showering is overwhelming and getting worse?!


Question: I recently noticed that I have a fear of showering. All of the typical excuses and reasons dont apply to me. I dont fear water or soap, I like being clean and smelling good, and I dont fear the shower (room) itself. I have had anxiety attacks over this and I dont know what to do. I manage to get in there after a few days but thats just not acceptable. Sometimes I need to shower more often and I cant bring myself to do so. Just thinking about it makes my chest tighten and my throat close up. Is there a weird explanation for this?


Answers: I recently noticed that I have a fear of showering. All of the typical excuses and reasons dont apply to me. I dont fear water or soap, I like being clean and smelling good, and I dont fear the shower (room) itself. I have had anxiety attacks over this and I dont know what to do. I manage to get in there after a few days but thats just not acceptable. Sometimes I need to shower more often and I cant bring myself to do so. Just thinking about it makes my chest tighten and my throat close up. Is there a weird explanation for this?

I had the exact same problem. First are you on any kind of medication. I was misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder and the meds instead of helping me made me worse. I couldn't sit still I couldn't shower, I was afraid there were spiders crawling all over me. I was convinced I was gonna die. Now when I was first diagnosed with depression and anxiety, I also was afraid of showering but that was because I developed agophobia (fear of a panic attack) and I had had attacks in the shower thus making me afraid to go into the shower. The solution for me: Being put on a anti-depressant. The only way I can keep my anxiety in control.

Never heard of this before but I have certain irrational fears too.

Try changing the experience in some way. Put a radio in the shower with music or conversation that takes your focus away from the fear of shower. Maybe leave the curtain open. Or try a bubble bath. Bring a pet into the bathroom while you shower. My cat likes to play games with the shower curtain while I shower. Just vary the situation preferably in a way that distracts your mind and relieves tension.

I have found that most of my irrational fears are worsened by the anticipation. Kind of like jumping into cold water or jumping from a 10 foot perch into a body of water. Best way to go into cold water is suddenly. We have these fears that get worse the more we think. Don't think just do.

There are several options:
1. Take a bath
2. Wash off without getting in the water, place a towel on the floor so you can get good and wet and soapy.
3. Seek professional assistance with your issue.

try taking cold showers....for some reason hot showers increase your anxiety and maybe your brain has connected the 2 and therefore you fear them now....cold showers are actually better for people with anxiety and depression, just be careful not to let your body temperature drop too low....good luck and God bless....

Please call a hotline or go to emergency immediately and get help.

First what you need to do is get a hold of the clinic or doctor that prescribed you the Lexapro and other meds and explain to them that you do not have any money or insurance to buy these medications. Quite often, a clinic setting will have sample medications to give out on a free basis. In the meantime, check into Social Services in your area and see if you would possibly be eligible for Medicaid to enable you to get these medications. If you are not, with the diagnoses you have been given, ask your doctor to help you apply for Social Security benefits. They can help you with the paperwork and process.

The Salvation Army and Social Services can also provide you with a list of local places that will help with prescriptions in the meantime - usually on a monthly basis.

I hope that this has helped provide you with some resolutions on your situation.

Take care and God Bless

i would suggest getting help
asap.

Girl get in the tub and fill it with bubbles...HAPPYTIME





The consumer health information on answer-health.com is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions.
The answer content post by the user, if contains the copyright content please contact us, we will immediately remove it.
Copyright © 2007-2011 answer-health.com -   Terms of Use -   Contact us

Health Categories