Been there, seen it, done it!

For those who remember life before the internet, information came from newspapers, libraries, magazines, encyclopaedias, and writing letters to ask for information. This worked for most topics, but not for paruresis, which was rarely mentioned, leaving many people with the condition feeling isolated.

Then came social media and mobile phones, which turned our pockets into mini computers. Now, we can stay in touch with friends and access global information about our interests any time, not just when we're sitting at a computer.

As we connected with others, we became curious about their experiences. We learned from their stories, found inspiration, and heeded cautionary lessons. We don't always need 'experts' for information. Our experiences can make us experts by experience too, which offer valuable insights for others on similar journeys.

On the UKPT website, articles about people's paruresis experiences often attract the most visitors. We feel less alone when we see that others share our struggles. Women with paruresis understand what it feels like to walk out of a public toilet upon seeing a queue, no matter how urgent the need to pee. They can relate to waiting for the sound of a flush in a nearby cubicle, or a noisy hand dryer before they can pee. They know the anxiety of a big gap at the bottom of a cubicle door and the fear others will hear them. Men recognise the dread of poorly designed toilets with too few urinals, or a lack of privacy. These fears may seem irrational to those without paruresis, but for sufferers, they are very real. Reading about shared experiences can be very reassuring.

Perhaps the best information for those with paruresis come from the experiences of individuals who have overcome it. These are the people who can now go anywhere without paruresis holding them back. They can use public toilets, pub toilets, theatre toilets, and plane toilets. Priceless! To learn how they did it, visit Paruresis Stories on our website, where you can read insights from those who have been there, seen it, done it.

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