Medical Questions » Gut (Intestines) Questions » Question No. 444
| Question: | Whenever we go away I suffer constipation and dreadful wind pains. I' m sure it' s psychological as I am embarrassed about normal body functions, and don' t like to use public toilets. I know I' m silly, and I should get over my fear and embarrassment, but I can' t go away for more than a few days because I can' t go to the toilet until I get home. |
| Answer: | Your self-diagnosis of a psychological problem is obviously correct, but these problems are not silly, and can seriously affect the lives of some people.
The solution is to be taught to use public toilets and other facilities away from home. It is worth keeping in mind that even the Queen has to go to the toilet— a point many royalists who worship the Queen would never even consider!
Arrange through your general practitioner to see a good behavioural psychologist, or a psychiatrist who has an interest in behavioural problems. Over a period of several weeks you will be taught how to cope with your fear, and in due course you will be able to enjoy long holidays away from home.
Fear of almost anything can be overcome by using appropriate techniques, and your fear of strange toilets is no worse than another person' s fear of heights, fear of spiders, or a fear of confined spaces.
Don' t delay seeking help—a wide world away from home is waiting to be explored. A light-hearted paperback called ' London' s Distinguished Dunnies' (or something similar) is available for your perusal should you venture that far afield!
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