So, my name is Shane Ward and I recently finished my second year of Mechanical engineering. We had 8 exams all crammed into just over 2 weeks which was fairly hectic as you can imagine. I was fine for the first 6 exams, the 7th was when everything seemed to change.
About 45 mins into the exam I got an extreme urge to urinate which came over me in just a matter of seconds (not like the gradual build up that we all typically would get). Once I got to the toilet I couldn't pee at all. I thought it was weird and went back to the exam room. As soon as I sat down the extreme urge came back just as quickly as it did the first time. This time it came with a feeling of being light headed and sickness. At this point I told a lecturer that I needed to go to the toilet again and that I didn't feel well. I was told I had to wait as only one person can be using the toilet at once. The panic got worse and he saw in my face that something was wrong and allowed me to go. I got to the toilet and again nothing. I went outside and after about 10 minutes I started to feel fine. This was my next attempt to go back into the exam, which as soon as I sat down again the extreme urge to pee, sickness, light headed and slight shaking in my hands had came back. At this point I had to leave. I then had another exam which was hell which was 2 days after and I got the same symptoms but had managed to get the exam finished even though I doubt it was very good as I was constantly in need of the toilet and not being able to focus on anything but peeing.
It's now been a week and this has still not stopped. At home I'm pretty much fine and relaxed, when I leave the house, get into a car or just about anything not involving being at home I get the symptoms I have stated coming back. It's stopping me from doing anything... It's driving me insane. Is this a common case of anxiety? Have any of you had anything similar and what did you do to combat it?
-Shane
I haven't had anything with urination anxiety however, I have had anxiety issues for almost 10 years and have had a lotttt of strange symptoms from it lol so I wouldn't doubt anxiety can cause what you're having.
To me it sounds like you're having a compulsive behavioral thing, almost like OCD. Just like with someone who locks their front door, and then they get in the car and have the urge to check and make sure the door is locked even though they know they just locked it. And they may actually end up checking it multiple times before successfully leaving the house bc the urge is that bad.
I'm reading this book called Anxiety & Phobia workbook (6th edition) and it discusses things like OCD and compulsive behavioral issues. They are both related with anxiety issues.
I suggest seeing your Dr perhaps, just to rule out anything physically wrong. And most likely you will be fine, and then I recommend seeing a therapist. One who specializes in compulsions and OCD would prob be best. They can help you stop this behavior and understand why you started it in the first place.
Thank you for your reply. This actually makes sense to me. I've had a lot of family stresses over my life and have developed some almost comic obsession with checking front and back doors are locked when leaving, making sure I have put my bank card in my wallet when leaving an ATM.
I have a similar problem when I get stressed or simply have too much on my plate, I have to pee, but I have to urgently go. And it will seem like I go more often when I am stressed. If you are drinking liquids and your bladder is full and , then you do not go..........then I would worry.
Yes! Those are all the types of things I am reading in that book ^^ lol. I think seeing a therapist could really benefit you! I used Psychology Today website to find one near me, the website is super helpful for finding one.
So I still have these symptoms. Although I have now developed an ache in my lower stomach which is nearly constant but gets worse as the urge to urinate gets worse. I am frequently passing urine even though I have not increased my liquid consumption although it is frequent but small amounts of urine. I have attempted to go on car journeys as it was originally thought to be worse in the car due to anxiety. However I have now noticed that the beginning of the journey is not as bad compared to about 5-10 minutes later. It seems like the movement is causing the symptom to get worse.
I still have not got any reply from my test results but was wondering if you guys think this sounds more likely to be an infection rather than anything mental?
So to continue this. I'm still getting the same symptoms. An almost constant stomach ache, frequent urination regardless of the amount I drink. I've been to the doctors twice, both times urine samples came back clear, ultrasound came back clear. Got a blood test and swab test which I'm waiting on for results.
I was told this was unlikely to be anxiety but couldn't be ruled out but I'm starting to feel convinced this is anxiety related however it just doesn't make sense. I don't fear going out, I don't fear car journeys, I never have. I don't get any other symptoms other than this constant stomach ache and frequent urination and extreme urgency. I have had my exam results and passed everything with flying colours. I feel more relaxed now then I have done in years. The only thing that could possibly be making even slightly anxious is this problem I'm now getting which I would have thought would have faded after finding out my results had it been an anxiety issue.
If anyone can shed some light on this problem I'd be greatly appreciative.