“I’m wondering if the people who are members in the IPA are a bunch of weirdos. I mean, they have to be, right?”
I’m sure this question has crossed your mind. 15+ years ago when I first learned about the International Paruresis Association I know I thought it. Here’s some of my inner monologue of the time: “I’m pretty messed up about this shy bladder thing, so these people must be messed up, too?”
“Well, I’m really at my wits end, I really need help.”
“I think I’ll just dip my toe in, but still protect myself. If it’s too weird, I can disconnect…”
“Hmm, what kind of a commitment is being a ‘member’ of this group anyway?”
As I think back to those days, I’m fairly embarrassed about how hypocritical I was. What made me think I was so different? Now, after meeting hundreds of fellow sufferers, I know we are all just people. We come from all walks of life, from all around the world. Some are just getting by, some are extremely successful. We are just as diverse as the population.
IPA President Dan Rocker has posted on his profile of one of his social media accounts, “I have a shy bladder. How are you weird?” Let’s celebrate our individuality. We are ourselves. We just happen to suffer from Paruresis.
- Tim