I am a young woman. Something has been wrong with my he alth for some time. As soon as I get into the car (as a passenger) or when I have to go somewhere by bus or public transport, I feel terrible. Whenever I know that there is no toilet nearby, my heart is pounding like a hammer, my hands are sweating, I feel slight vibrations and, most of all, pressure on my stool. I've never been like this, and now every trip is a horror. I am ashamed to go to the doctor and tell about my problem. My guess is that the problem is in the psyche due to high stress, it is no less difficult for me to function normally. How can you help yourself a little?
From what you write, I understood that you suffer from digestive system ailments in the form of urge to stool or diarrhea, and this situation is particularly acute in a car, bus, and that when there is no toilet nearby , you are experiencing a state resembling a panic attack. You write that these experiences appeared some time ago and the feeling of shame makes it difficult for you to seek the help of a doctor.
It is not clear to me if you experience severe stress first and the reaction was gastric problems, or if it was the gastric problems that caused "severe stress". What is happening to you may be a kind of neurotic disorder. Neurosis is a civilization disease that affects approx. 20% of the population, it is caused by both biological factors, as well as factors related to social requirements and the social role. Stress and traumatic experiences also play an important role.
Neurosis is treated, psychotherapy, e.g. cognitive behavioral or psycho-didactic therapy, may be effective and helpful. Therapy aims to change behavior and understand anxiety-generating symptoms and stimuli, eliminate symptoms or equip the patient with coping skills so that they are acceptable. A psychiatrist may suggest pharmacotherapy to calm your symptoms. I think that there is no need to delay with the decision and it is worth contacting a psychiatrist or psychotherapist. Treatment can significantly improve your quality of life, so at the outset it is worth telling the doctor or psychologist that the situation is embarrassing and describing what is happening to you. At the same time, you can start practicing relaxation techniques or training yourselfrespiratory. All the best and I encourage you to make an appointment with a specialist quickly, and if it is difficult for you, it is worth engaging a loved one so that you can help you make an appointment and support you with a good word.
Remember that our expert's answer is informative and will not replace a visit to the doctor.
Dominika Ambroziewicz-WnukPsychologist, personal development trainer.
For 20 years she has been working with teenagers, young adults and their carers. Supports people who experience school and relational difficulties, adolescence disorders and teenage parents www.centrum-busola.pl
More advice from this expert
Can masturbation in adolescence be addictive? [Expert advice]Does the infant feel the parent's absence? [Expert advice]The child wakes up at night crying [Expert advice]The child does not want to do homework [Expert advice]The child makes involuntary hand movements [Expert's advice]Nine-Year-Old Masturbates [Expert Advice]How to deal with insomnia? [Expert advice]How to deal with neurosis? [Expert advice]How Can I Deal With Harassment and Bad Thoughts? [Expert advice]How to deal with the effects of long-term stress? [Expert advice]How Can I Deal With Stress Before Speaking In Public? [Expert advice]Compulsive Absorption of Knowledge [Expert Advice]Antidepressants and a decline in musical abilities? [Expert advice]Teen Masturbation During Adolescence [Expert Advice]Teenage and Late Coming Home [Expert's Advice]Teenager is overly mobile, swears and is influenced by peers [Expert's advice]Teenager alone on vacation [Expert Advice]Canceled wedding and continued being together. What to do? [Expert advice]The partner does not want intercourse [Expert's advice]Problem with starting intercourse. Where to go for help [Expert advice]Breakups and Returns. Do you stay in a relationship? [Expert advice]Oral sex. Am I still a virgin? [Expert advice]The son plays on the computer and sits on the internet [Expert's tip]Malaise in pregnancy. Is it neurosis? [Expert advice]