The Poo-ful Truth: Why Public Bathrooms Give Us Anxiety

Most of us take the daily ritual of having a bowel movement for granted. But for some, the need to do a "number two" in a public toilet or at work can evoke significant stress and anxiety. The Queensland Department of Health in Australia recently launched a social media campaign, "It's okay to poo at work," which has gained traction on Instagram and Facebook. The humorous approach to a taboo topic highlights the risks of "holding it in," including haemorrhoids and gastrointestinal problems. But what's behind this fear? Enter parcopresis, also known as "shy bowel," a condition where people experience difficulty or inability to poo in public toilets due to fear of perceived scrutiny by others. Those with parcopresis might find it challenging to use toilets in public places, such as shopping centres, restaurants, or even at home when others are around. They fear being judged by others about unpleasant smells, sounds, or how long it takes. But why do some people struggle with this? Living with a gastrointestinal condition can contribute to parcopresis due to anxiety about frequent toilet use and perceived judgment from others. Past negative experiences, accessibility challenges, and societal expectations of "normal" bathroom habits can also play a role.For sufferers, anxiety can manifest as a faster heart rate, rapid breathing, sweating, muscle tension, blushing, nausea, trembling, or a combination of these symptoms. They may experience ongoing worry about situations where they might need to use a public toilet. Research suggests that parcopresis can affect multiple domains of life and quality of life overall. Sufferers may have difficulties with employment, relationships, and social life, avoiding activities and events due to symptoms. But how common is parcopresis? A study involving 714 university students found that around 14% of participants avoided using the toilet when other stalls were occupied. Women were more likely to avoid using the toilet than men, with 10% of participants saying they would go home to poo, use an available disabled toilet, or come back when the bathroom was empty. In occupational settings, the rates of anxiety about using shared bathrooms may be higher due to feelings of self-consciousness and fear of judgment from colleagues. Reducing restroom anxiety involves identifying and challenging negative thoughts, managing stress through relaxation techniques, gradual exposure, and using grounding or distraction techniques. If you're struggling with parcopresis, be kind to yourself. Remember that using the bathroom is normal, and most people are not paying attention to others in the toilets. Seek help from a GP or psychologist if parcopresis is having a significant impact on your life.