For the average reader perhaps the subject matter makes you feel uncomfortable, but for those who live with this fear a regular part of life is consistently disturbed with feelings that are not routinely shared, and a struggle never fully appreciated by others. This can leave those who live with Defecaloesiophobia feeling perhaps even more lonely than many other phobic personalities.
A bowel movement is the way our body eliminates internal solid waste. It is a natural function and one that needs to exist for good health and body comfort. Yet the act itself is a very personal one and the experience can make you feel better, but for some it can cause considerable pain. This may be due to irritation within the bowel or perhaps even constipation.
What Causes Defecaloesiophobia?
When an individual experiences painful bowel movements it is not uncommon for them to be more cautious in the elimination process the next time. If the painful experiences are frequent the individual may become fearful of that which they cannot control.
In less frequent cases the fear may have been expressed by a friend or family member. The fear of that individual was so vivid it may have resulted in the entertainment of fear. By obsession alone that idea can become a phobic response.
In all cases there becomes a compelling interest in avoiding painful bowel movements which can lead to medication use and abuse, avoidance (only to a degree) and dread. However, because this process can’t be stopped the sense of panic can provide an escalation of fear that can envelop other phobias as well.
Symptoms of Defecaloesiophobia
The initial response to the fear is perhaps denial that there is a need to expel waste. Ironically this waiting period can, in some case, intensify any pain that an individual might experience. There may be pacing and anxiety until there can be no more waiting.
Other symptoms may also include…
- Crying
- Screaming
- Fainting
- Nausea
- Panic Attack
- Loss of bodily waste prior to reaching a bathroom
- Trembling
- Profound sense of dread
In many cases these symptoms are not observed by the general public because this phobia lends itself to other social phobias that make engaging in public life nearly impossible.
How to Overcome Defecaloesiophobia
You need to know that by working to keep your body hydrated with plenty of fluids you may be able to eliminate many issues related to painful bowel movements. If symptoms truly are physically disabling you may want to consider a visit with your physician to see if there is a physical blockage or other issue related to your digestive system.
A therapist may also prove to be an invaluable ally in developing strategies to face the fear as well as learn what other issues may have contributed to the fear trigger. This can be important because when it comes to fear you will want to find all sources and learn management skills for each.
The fear of painful bowel movements is also referred to as:
- Painful bowel movement fear
- Defecaloesiophobia
