Are we “weirdos”?
“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
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INTERNATIONAL PARURESIS ASSOCIATION
P.O. Box 21237
Catonsville, MD 21228
You Are Not Alone.
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Shy Bladder, Bashful Bladder, Pee Shy
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Email: getinfo@paruresis.org
This website is NOT a substitute for medical or legal advice and does not constitute the practice of law, medicine, psychiatry, clinical psychology, clinical social work, or any other mental health profession. If you are having trouble urinating, you should always contact a physician since difficulty with voiding can be a symptom of a serious medical condition. We are a group of professional people and people who have suffered with paruresis. We have assembled a board and a board of advisors to help people cope with urinary dysfunction that has a psychological or social origin. On this website, we are NOT practicing medicine, psychiatry, clinical psychology, clinical social work or any other mental health profession. You should have your doctor evaluate your condition before diagnosing yourself, and seek the appropriate necessary mental health counseling if warranted. IPA, Inc. disclaims any and all legal liability whatsoever.