How incontinence can affect mental health

Here at Arelle, we know from speaking with our customers how incontinence can directly affect mental health – whether that’s the daily anxiety of managing incontinence in public or the more profound psychological and emotional effects of incontinence which can impact every aspect of life.

Some of the indicators we regularly come across in men and women struggling with incontinence and their mental health include:

– feelings of embarrassment, worry and shame about their condition.
– withdrawal from activities and cancelling social plans often at the last minute, resulting in avoidance of contact with friends and sometimes family.
– changes in mood – including unexplained irritability or frustration, or appearing sad, miserable, or even emotionless.
– difficulties in sleeping, or more irregular sleep routines.
– problems with relationships or job performance.
– expressing dark thoughts as a result of stress, depression, or isolation.
– changes in eating habits resulting in noticeable weight increase/decrease.
– increased consumption of and/or reliance on alcohol or tobacco products.

So if any of these signs are familiar to you, or someone you know, it’s really important to remember that you’re not alone when dealing with incontinence and mental health and there are several things you can do to find help and support:

– Talk (or email/text/write to) a support organisation like Bladder Health UK, Bladder and Bowel UK or Bladder and Bowel Community. Apart from a wide range of resources and helpful information, they often offer services such as local support groups and ‘phone-pals’, as well as online and telephone support with professionals.
– Get a ‘Just Can’t Wait’ card, which is recognised and supported by many retail and service organisations, giving you access to toilets not normally available to the general public.
– If you are disabled, you can get a Radar Key which offers independent access to many locked public toilets around the country.
-Connect with a social media support group – such as the Facebook group coordinated by the Bladder and Bowel Community – it’s a closed community group (so no-one apart from other members will know you’re a part of it) and it can help to know that others are going through the same thing.
– Talk to a medical professional – a GP can advise and refer you to specialist services if required, and a practice nurse should be able to give you some practical advice on how to manage your incontinence.
– Talk to those you trust. It might be a friend or family member, but getting some emotional support from those around you is crucial if you are struggling.

And should you need advice and guidance about the products to help you manage any continence issues, please do contact us at Arelle. Unlike many other online and mail order incontinence product suppliers, we are here with over 20 years of knowledge and experience to talk you through all your product options and help you find solutions to suit you, and ultimately help improve your quality of life.
Call us on 0800 389 3597 or email us at info@arelle.com