What Is Washroom Anxiety? Here’s How It Affects Employees

Have you ever felt extremely anxious and stressed while using a public washroom? So much so, that it affected your daily routine and gave you a challenging time? If answers to all these questions are yes, then you might have something called washroom anxiety. It is a medically recognised condition, and is primarily known by the terms paruresis (shy bladder syndrome) and parcopresis (shy bowel syndrome). They fall under the social anxiety disorder category. To know all about this, read ahead.

The editorial team of OnlyMyHealth spoke to Dr Divya Shree KR, Consultant – Psychiatry, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore, to get a detailed idea of washroom anxiety.

What is Washroom Anxiety?

Before we dig in, let us start by understanding what washroom anxiety actually is.
“Washroom anxiety refers to feeling nervous, scared, or uncomfortable about using a toilet in public or outside your home. People with washroom anxiety may worry about others hearing them, not finding a clean bathroom, or feeling rushed when using one. This can make them avoid long trips, social events, or even drinking too much water to skip using public toilets,” explains Dr Shree KR.

Speaking about its source, she says, “It often starts from past bad experiences or fear of embarrassment. Washroom anxiety is common and can affect anyone. Simple relaxation techniques, planning bathroom breaks, and slowly facing the situation can help reduce this fear. If it becomes severe or affects daily life, it is good to talk to a doctor or therapist for help and support.”

How To Detect Washroom Anxiety

How to know whether what you are feeling while using the washroom is normal or something more serious? “Anxiety in public washrooms, like those in offices, can cause many physical changes in the body. When someone feels nervous, their body’s ‘fight or flight’ response gets activated. This can make the heartbeat faster, breathing become quick, and muscles tighten. Some people may feel shaky, sweaty, or dizzy. The stomach and bladder can also react to stress, making it hard to urinate or causing stomach pain. The body’s tension can make it difficult to relax enough to use the toilet comfortably. Over time, this stress can lead to more worry and avoidance of public washrooms. Practicing deep breathing, relaxation, or visiting the restroom during quieter times can help manage these symptoms and make the experience easier,” explains Dr Shree KR.

Also Read: Do You Have A Shy Bladder Syndrome? Expert On How To Overcome

Washroom Anxiety Affecting Daily Office-goers

Most offices have resumed work from office after the pandemic got over. For those struggling with washroom anxiety, using their office bathrooms can feel like a real battle.

“Washroom anxiety can affect employees who work regularly from the office. When someone feels anxious about using office washrooms, it can cause stress during the workday. They may avoid drinking enough water, which can lead to dehydration or health problems. Constant worry about using the restroom can make it hard to focus on work or attend long meetings,” shares the expert.

Dr Shree KR mentions that some employees may even feel embarrassed or try to hold it in, which can cause stomach pain or urinary issues. “Over time, this anxiety can lower confidence and affect job performance. A supportive work environment, clean restrooms, and understanding from colleagues can help employees feel more relaxed and comfortable while using office washrooms,” she adds.

Signs and Symptoms of Washroom Anxiety

The signs and symptoms of washroom anxiety can be both physical and emotional. Dr Shree KR lists them down for us:

• A person may feel nervous, tense, or embarrassed when they have to use a public toilet.
• They may worry about people hearing or judging them.
• Physical symptoms can include a fast heartbeat, sweating, shaking, dry mouth, or stomach pain.
• Some people may find it hard to urinate or feel the need to go often but cannot relax enough to do so.
• Others may avoid drinking fluids or using public restrooms completely.

“This anxiety can cause stress and affect daily routines, work, or travel. Recognizing these signs early and learning relaxation methods can help reduce the fear and make using washrooms easier over time,” shares the expert.

Causes of Washroom Anxiety

Washroom anxiety can have many causes. Dr Shree KR jots them down for us:

• One common reason is a bad experience, such as being teased, rushed, or not finding a clean toilet.
• Some people feel shy or uncomfortable using public washrooms because they worry others might hear or judge them.
• Fear of germs, smells, or lack of privacy can also make people anxious.

In some cases, anxiety is linked to social fear or general stress about being in public places.
“Workplaces or schools with crowded or noisy restrooms can increase this feeling. Over time, these worries can become stronger if a person keeps avoiding public washrooms. Understanding the cause and slowly facing the fear can help reduce anxiety and make using washrooms more comfortable,” explains Dr Shree KR.

Tips to Manage Washroom Anxiety

There are many ways to manage washroom anxiety. Let’s take a look at some of them shared by the expert:

• Start by practicing deep breathing or relaxation exercises to calm your body before using a public toilet.
• Visit the washroom during quieter times to feel more comfortable.
• Gradually expose yourself to public restrooms instead of avoiding them completely.
• Remind yourself that everyone needs to use the washroom, it's normal and nothing to be ashamed of.
• Keeping a positive mindset and focusing on something relaxing, like music or your breathing, can help.
• If germs or cleanliness worry you, carry tissues or sanitizer for comfort.
• Talking to a friend, counsellor, or therapist can also be helpful if anxiety continues.

Also Read: Does Using Your Phone in the Washroom Causes Piles? Know It From An Expert

The Final Word

Washroom anxiety is when someone feels nervous, scared, or uncomfortable about using a toilet in public space or outside your home. This can make it challenging for daily office-goers to use the bathroom without getting triggered. But with patience and certain safety practices, the fear of using public washrooms can be reduced over time.