bladder issues with anxiety

Hi there. I don't usually post on this forum but I do read the posts here from time to time. 10 years with ulcerative colitis (UC) which thankfully is in remission now for a good many years. I did suffer doses of health anxiety when my UC was flaring but that also went away when I achieved remission.

Been stressed out with work for last 2 months and out of nowhere I've noticed my health anxiety resurface. The thing is with my UC being so good now it seems my brain is focusing on my bladder and I'm OCD-ing on my number of trips to the restroom. I spoke to my doc and I was negative for diabetes, prostrate or infections. He put it down to a case of overactive bladder.

I'm just wondering if others notice this as an anxiety symptom? My OCD has me counting my trips to restroom each day now - in fairness there are not really that bad. Maybe 5-8 times. But every time I finish using the restroom its like a stopwatch goes off in my head and I'm just waiting and timing myself for the next bladder spasm.

Any advice or thoughts on the issue would be a great help.

Cheers,

Damo,

Welcome (again?) to the A/P

Glad you have come to share...as this is probably a more common issue than you'd think! I am sorry to hear you are challenges with it.:(

I also definitely have 'anxiety bladder'!

I not only go often...but also get nervous if I am taking a road trip, or am in an area where restrooms are scarce. This results in my thinking I have the need to go...when in reality I am actually okay to wait.

Since you have ruled out any physical cause...the best step you can now take is continuing with anxiety management.

If you've not done so already, please see our Resources at the top of the main forum page here for great self help material. :)

...and post with us anytime for anxiety support. We care and understand!

Scaredy Cat