Does anyone else put off drinking water so they don't need a wee when out?

[waitaweewhile]

I've developed this annoying habit where I get anxious about needing a wee when out and I end up avoiding drinking water because of it, and then end up with a banging headache by the evening because I'm dehydrated.

I have no qualms about using public loos, so I don't understand where the anxiety comes from. I think a lot about what I'm drinking throughout the day if I know I'm going out. I start feeling anxious if I need a wee when out, and tend to go several times before I leave the house, even when I don't need to. It happened again today and now I have a really bad headache and I'm having to drink lots of water to help it go away.

Does anyone else do this or have any advice of getting out of this pattern?

As I'm reading this thread I think it comes across a bit weird like I'm some kind of troll but I'm not, just someone with a horrid headache wondering why I put myself through this

I have a fear of locks on toilet doors claustrophobia- so don’t drink anything whilst I am out and it always result in a migraine from lack of water - as most of the shops are boiling hot as well - you have my sympathies !

It’s not good for your bladder control to go to the loo when you don’t need to.

Why don’t you build it up slowly by going somewhere where you know there are loads of loos to gradually break the habit.

I think it’s normal not to chug water like you might at your desk, but certainly not to the extreme you describe. tackle it before it gets worse or starts to spread into other behaviours.

Does anyone else do this or have any advice of getting out of this pattern?

Just stop doing it? You know you do it, you’re aware at the time, and you don’t actually have an issue with public loos. So just make yourself drink some water.

Make yourself drink a glass of water everytime You go out.
Simple

I found myself doing this. I made myself very dehydrated. I still need to drink more water

Same here. Its got so much worse since lockdown as most of the public toilets have shut. Some of the shops stopped having cafes in them so their toilets are shut too.

Yes especially when out in London as I can never find toilets.

I don’t but I now live somewhere with many good quality public toilets and it has made me realise how the UK’s lack of public amenities must be very restricting to those with IBS, crap control after pregnancy etc

I'm exactly the same. Started 23 years ago when I was 14. I now drink so little that whenever I've had more than two drinks I can't go more than 30 minutes without needing a wee. And I'm actually going for a full wee, so it's not in my head. I really should go and see a doctor 🤔

I don't always do this but I can relate. I have no trouble with public loos but their availability has diminished so my anxiety is whether there will be one at all.

It's the tightening up of the urinary leash.

I am so bad for this, I will only drink tea or coffee if I know for sure I'm not going out. I never understand how people can drink a cup of tea and then go out shopping for example. I also have no issue with public loos but I find it so stressful not knowing when one will be available, or for car journeys etc. I have very good bladder control but I can't think of anything worse than being out somewhere needing a wee and having to hold it, it makes me all sweaty and anxious 🙈 I do the same as you and limit liquids and then drink loads in the evenings

I rarely drink other than at breakfast, lunch and dinner time anyway. Started in school where I only drank breakfast and dinner due to the vile state of water jugs and loos at school.
Consequently, I rarely need the loo when out, unless at a restaurant when eating anyway.

I am the same. I think about where I am going before I have a drink, particularly tea and coffee.

No, unless I was going somewhere were there is likely not to be toilets.

If that was the case I would drink a lot before going out (1hour or so) then use the toilet before going out. I would probably take a drink with me but avoid drinking until I was thirsty.

I don't have issues with bladder control though. I would consider seeing a women's health physiotherapist if I did. They can do bladder training and help strengthen pelvic floor.

I do think the lack of public toilets is limiting for people who do have problems.

I have this but its definitely psychological. I avoid drinking anything but small sips if I'm about to go on a trip or flight. I wish I could be one of the people enjoying coffee or prosecco on a plane but the anxiety of needing the toilet and not being able to go is bad. It takes over every day out or trip and I wish I could stop it.

Portable bog in back of van. 😁