Shower Problem happening again

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Apr 07, 2008 6:14 am

Guys it's true.It's all about the being wet and naked and something bad happening.I have this everyday!!!It drives me nuts because then I keep thinking back on it all day.you know like "why can't I just feel normal in the shower?"everyday it's the same thing.We have to stop this!!deedee00 is exactly right!We can't run from this and we should be proud of ourselves for going ahead and taking that shower everyday!If we could just turn it around like this we would feel better and I bet that eventually the feelings will go away.Remember that the relief doesn't usually come quick.Freedom is a fight but the victory is well wroth it!!You guys are not alone nor are we crazy!We just keep adding fears.That's all,we feed our minds with things that scare us.Let's all work really hard this week to let those shower fears go and just relax when we're in there.Take care and God Bless!!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Apr 07, 2008 6:17 am

water* not eater lolol

Jessica1787 · Post by **Jessica1787** » Sat Apr 19, 2008 11:04 am

lol i had the same problem too, and still have it to some degree. i just try to put on some music or something, seems to help take my mind of things and relax.

MEDCKristie27 · Post by **MEDCKristie27** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 5:27 am

You said "Boy, If I stop showing I'm really going to be in trouble. The anxiety is so strong". Please try not to be negative with yourself. The anxiety may be strong - but you are stronger (if you believe in God- HE is stronger) than anxiety.

I used to have trouble in the shower. I had scary thoughts and I won't mention them becuase I don't want to hinder anyone's progress. But please don't lose heart- things WILL get better. As you continue the program and continue to get better- the shower thing will get better too. It just takes some time. Don't be mad at yourself for it. But don't forget that even though the anxiety feels strong now- it is slowly going to dwindle away to nothing

Be blessed!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue May 27, 2008 2:54 pm

I had to laugh when I read this. Not at anyone here but at myself! This is soooooo me. I run my bath water (will not talk a shower!) do relaxation tape, undress bottom half of myself, quickly wash, dry off, get dressed, calm down and then do the top half. Is this not the weirdest thing you have ever read? I hope one day to be able to take a shower again!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Jul 17, 2008 6:55 pm

Some things that may help with anxiety in the shower:
Usually it's the trapped feeling, that you are completely vulnerable and naked and/or can't get to a safe place quickly because of it. Also, it makes it worse when you put the pressure on yourself that you HAVE to take a shower, and what if you can't.

One of the best ways of reducing the anxiety is to CHOOSE to take showers when you don't HAVE to...which would mean taking more than one a day. PRACTICING.

Try the desensitization technique if you have to. Get undressed and turn the water on over and over again. Get in the shower with the water on over and over again...etc.
Listen to your CDs or your relaxation CD while doing this.

Go to "what's the worse than can happen" mentalitly. Well, what is the worst? You may have to run out of the shower stark naked screaming or whatever else you do. So, do that on purpose. Don't worry about tracking water and soap all over the house...do it on purpose. Do it regularly. Just a few ideas.

When doing the desensitization, use the relaxation cd to calm down in between practices when you feel you have to stop. If you are afraid of drowning, use a cup or butter bowl for a while and slowly work into a bath or shower. Give yourself "permission" to bath this way and slowly add the bath or shower. Example, bath that way and then just rinse off with the shower or fill up some of the tub just to rinse off, etc.

Browneyed girl3 · Post by **Browneyed girl3** » Fri Jul 18, 2008 9:31 am

In the past, I've had a few really great panic attacks while in the shower. Got to the point was afraid to shower. But definitely need the shower, I'm a runner- bath just doesn't help.

I play the CD of my favorite music, use my +self talk and I try not to be so hard on myself. I do also try to laugh at myself. I definitely feel I have improved. Sometimes get the panicky feelings but tell myself it's ok it will pass and it always does.

I also used to get panicky in the shower if I had to shave. I get all these scary thoughts.

I use the same skills to manage the anxiety and now I enjoy showering. Sometimes now, I go shower to get away from my husband and kids.

Just keep working on your skills and you will conquer this. Take care and God Bless.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 9:20 am

I can't believe there are so many of us that have this phobia! I've been much better about it recently but there was a point that I would only shower like once every three weeks...gross, I know. But my fear wasn't the not being able to run away, I was afraid I would get dizzy, pass out, and dround...which I now know is irrational and my love of showers is back in full effect! I just made myself get in there and do it, and I always felt better for it after! Now in my new apartment I have a HUGE old fashioned claw foot tub, the kind you see in movies...now I make baths a whole production with nice soaps and candles and music. I do still have a teensy bit of anxiety sometimes, but once I get in there it's all good.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Aug 11, 2008 2:43 am

I had similar experiences while showering, but my issue was mostly with the amount of "quiet" that was around. When I was at my worst, I couldn't be anywhere without the tv or radio on to distract me if I was home alone. I bought a waterproof radio and hung it in the shower and turned it on while I was in the bathroom. It really, really helped because I would focus on the music or morning show instead of my thoughts that seemed endless. I no longer have an issue showering or being in the house in total silence. I LOVE IT!!!