“scenarios or situations that are anxiety-provoking or stressful will activate the limbic system, and potentially the pontine micturition center as well,” he says. “stimulation of the pontine micturition center is essentially like turning the ‘on’ switch for voiding, and will lead to increased bladder sensitivity and overactivity.”
in addition to biological reasons,
muscle tension
might also be to blame. when we feel anxious, we hold tension in our body, including the muscles around the bladder, which may trigger urinary urgency. anxiety can also make us
hypersensitive
, exasperating feelings of a full bladder, and there is some
evidence
to suggest that when we’re anxious, our bodies may process liquids more quickly than usual.
to manage your symptoms, vigil suggests avoiding common bladder irritants, such as caffeine, carbonated beverages, alcohol, spicy foods and smoking. you could also try contracting pelvic floor muscles rapidly five times to help subside urgency, followed by shifting your attention away from your bladder. finally, avoiding triggers of bladder overactivity around anxiety-provoking situations specifically can also be beneficial.
you could also try distracting yourself in the moment with
simple tricks
often used to control an overactive bladder, such as counting backward from 99, reciting the lyrics of your favourite song or thinking of the first and last names of the people you work with. you can also practice
relaxation
techniques daily to help you feel more calm in high-stress situations.
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