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Expert Q&A
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| By Paul Coleman Psychologist Family Therapist | ||
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What steps can someone take so that incontinence doesn't take over his or her livelihood?
Educate yourself about the nature of the problem, the situations and conditions where it is more likely to happen and have items with you to help you manage the situation (special undergarment, a change of underwear or clothes, etc.).
Go out as often as possible. If that is unnerving, go out in small doses and build up to longer stretches of time. While it would be ideal to never have an accident in a public situation, it is more important for a person to develop a belief that "I can handle it." As such, having a leaking problem when away from home – and having to cope with it – can build up one's confidence in coping. It may be inconvenient, possibly embarrassing, if others detect the problem, but the alternative is to avoid socializing, which is highly problematic.
With the right preparation (limit liquids, bring supplies, tell friends who you trust) and by building up your willingness to go out for longer periods of time, any bladder leakage will probably be "manageable" and life can go on.
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