Strange fears I have...

Lynne · **Joined:** Wed Oct 31, 2007 5:49 am **Posts:** 7

I have a life-consuming fear of toilets and drains. I'll start with drains.

If I swim over top of one in a pool, I get panic attacks. Even if I'm in the shallow end, I still know it's just 20 feet away, and I'll be nervous the whole time I'm swimming. It's not a fear that I'm going to get sucked in..It's just knowing that there's a giant, gaping hole right near me; it makes me want to crap myself.

I can't look under the sink because I see the pipes and stuff coming off. When washing dishes, my boyfriend has to pull the plug. In the shower, I stand as far away from the little tiny hole as humanly possible.

And toilets. Oooh, toilets. People always nod when I say I can't use public bathrooms, but they don't know that I'm AFRAID of them. If for some reason I absolutely HAVE to (ie; a long drive), then I inspect it beforehand. If it looks too "creepy", then I hold it. I guess I could define creepy as a loud flush; a cracked bowl or cracks anywhere; a dimly-lit area; a dirty bowl; or it's raised up on something. Or a big gap between the bowl and the tank. ...Or even a pipe leading from the bowl to the tank. Come to think of it, pipes make me nervous too.

I've moved house about three times in the last year, and every time we move, my boyfriend has to attend my "duties" for about two weeks so I can get used to the toilet. But, the even THOUGHT of a toilet overflowing fills me with so much panic.. If a toilet happens to overflow, I have to SEE it quickly, then leave the house altogether.

People look at me like I'm insane when I tell them this.

Ana · **Posted:** Wed Oct 31, 2007 9:38 pm

First off, I'd like to say welcome to Ofear, Lynne!

Secondly, I don't think your phobia is insane! Many people have unusual/unexplained phobias. Although it may sound strange to others, it's very normal to the person who has the phobia.
I don't have a phobia of anything you've described except the public washrooms. They scare me aswell and it's not just the germs. I just get creeped out in a strange washroom.
So, I can relate.

Shy guy · **Joined:** Mon Aug 27, 2007 7:06 am **Posts:** 1564

Hi Lynne

Do you know how or when your fear started?

Lynne · **Joined:** Wed Oct 31, 2007 5:49 am **Posts:** 7

Nope, no idea about either. I know I was afraid of drains in about grade two; so I was about 6-7.. But I don't know how it started.

I've only been afraid of toilets since I was about 13. Same with this; no idea how/why.

Shy guy · **Joined:** Mon Aug 27, 2007 7:06 am **Posts:** 1564

Lynne wrote:

I have a life-consuming fear of toilets and drains. I'll start with drains.

If I swim over top of one in a pool, I get panic attacks. Even if I'm in the shallow end, I still know it's just 20 feet away, and I'll be nervous the whole time I'm swimming. It's not a fear that I'm going to get sucked in..It's just knowing that there's a giant, gaping hole right near me...

Quote:

And toilets. Oooh, toilets. People always nod when I say I can't use public bathrooms, but they don't know that I'm AFRAID of them. If for some reason I absolutely HAVE to (ie; a long drive), then I inspect it beforehand. If it looks too "creepy", then I hold it. I guess I could define creepy as a loud flush; a cracked bowl or cracks anywhere; a dimly-lit area; a dirty bowl; or it's raised up on something. Or a big gap between the bowl and the tank. ...Or even a pipe leading from the bowl to the tank. Come to think of it, pipes make me nervous too.

Quote:

...the even THOUGHT of a toilet overflowing fills me with so much panic.. If a toilet happens to overflow, I have to SEE it quickly, then leave the house altogether.

Have you try getting treatment for this Lynne? Also would you say drains, pipes, and toilets occupy your thoughts or the thoughts only pop into your head when you think you might end up near one of the above?

Lynne · **Joined:** Wed Oct 31, 2007 5:49 am **Posts:** 7

Have you try getting treatment for this Lynne? Also would you say drains, pipes, and toilets occupy your thoughts or the thoughts only pop into your head when you think you might end up near one of the above?[/quote]

Well, I've had depression since I was 14, and just started getting treatment two months ago.
I don't even know where I'd start looking for help.
And I'd say it occupies my thoughts. I think about it all quite often.

Shy guy · **Joined:** Mon Aug 27, 2007 7:06 am **Posts:** 1564

Lynne wrote:

Have you try getting treatment for this Lynne? Also would you say drains, pipes, and toilets occupy your thoughts or the thoughts only pop into your head when you think you might end up near one of the above?

Well, I've had depression since I was 14, and just started getting treatment two months ago.
I don't even know where I'd start looking for help.
And I'd say it occupies my thoughts. I think about it all quite often.

I think what would help most in your case is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), The Cognitive part will help you deal with you thoughts about plumbing and the behavioural part would involve gradual exposure to pipe, drain, toilets etc. What country are you in Lynne? One of us should be able to help you find a list of therapists. _cheesygrin::

Lynne · **Joined:** Wed Oct 31, 2007 5:49 am **Posts:** 7

Shy guy wrote:

Lynne wrote:

Have you try getting treatment for this Lynne? Also would you say drains, pipes, and toilets occupy your thoughts or the thoughts only pop into your head when you think you might end up near one of the above?

Well, I've had depression since I was 14, and just started getting treatment two months ago.
I don't even know where I'd start looking for help.
And I'd say it occupies my thoughts. I think about it all quite often.

I think what would help most in your case is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), The Cognitive part will help you deal with you thoughts about plumbing and the behavioural part would involve gradual exposure to pipe, drain, toilets etc. What country are you in Lynne? One of us should be able to help you find a list of therapists. _cheesygrin::

Hm, maybe it would help.
I'm in Ontario.
I have no transportation, and very little money, so therapy would be quite difficult to get...

Shy guy · **Joined:** Mon Aug 27, 2007 7:06 am **Posts:** 1564

Shy guy wrote:

Lynne wrote:

I think what would help most in your case is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), The Cognitive part will help you deal with you thoughts about plumbing and the behavioural part would involve gradual exposure to pipe, drain, toilets etc. What country are you in Lynne? One of us should be able to help you find a list of therapists. _cheesygrin::

Hm, maybe it would help.
I have no transportation, and very little money, so therapy would be quite difficult to get...

Not a problem I have sent you a PM. ssmile

Strange fears I have...

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