Could Childhood Trauma Contribute to Incontinence at Age 15?
I’m writing this anonymously as I prefer to keep this matter separate from my main Reddit account. Hello, I am a 15-year-old girl, standing at 5 feet 1 inch tall and weighing 95 pounds. I am not currently taking any medications and don’t have significant health issues aside from some mental health diagnoses. My issues began when I was about 6. There was an incident where I nearly fell over, and out of instinct, I leaned against my younger brother, causing him to tumble down. This enraged my father, who then yanked me by my hair. Out of sheer fear, I lost control of my bladder completely at that moment. Shortly thereafter, I noticed that every time he acted violently towards me or if I was yelled at loudly by an adult, I would involuntarily urinate. Now that I am a teenager, I continue to experience incontinence, particularly during stressful or anxious moments. This can range from minor leaks to significant loss of control. Along with this issue, I’m also coping with diagnosed conditions such as major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. I do not have a history of urinary tract infections or other related problems. I am reaching out with a couple of questions: Could my current incontinence have a connection to those traumatic experiences I went through as a child? Is there any medical or psychological support available that might assist someone with experiences like mine? Though I’m no longer a child, I find myself struggling with this ongoing issue, and it’s difficult for me to comprehend the reasons behind it. I appreciate any guidance or information you can provide. Thank you!
Answers (1)
9/7/2025, 6:20:43 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to seek clarity on how past trauma might impact your current health, especially regarding incontinence. Based on your experience, there can be a connection between childhood trauma and ongoing issues like incontinence, particularly in the context of stress and anxiety.
Explanation:
Incontinence, or losing control over urination, can be influenced by both physiological and psychological factors. Childhood trauma, especially when linked to fear or stress, can lead to heightened anxiety responses. This can manifest in physical ways—including involuntary urination—especially during moments of stress or anxiety. The body may react inappropriately to perceived threats, a response often linked to the nervous system's "fight or flight" reaction, which can affect bladder control.
Next Steps:
-
Self-Reflection and Journaling: Begin tracking your incontinence episodes. Note the situations that trigger them—this can help you identify patterns related to stress, anxiety, or specific situations.
-
Mindfulness Techniques: Practice stress-reduction techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga. These can help you manage anxiety better and may reduce instances of incontinence.
-
Psychological Support: Consider reaching out to a therapist who specializes in trauma or anxiety. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) could be particularly helpful as it addresses thought patterns and behaviors related to anxiety.
-
Support Groups: Connecting with peers who have faced similar challenges may provide additional support and understanding. Look for local or online groups focusing on mental health or anxiety.
-
Hydration Awareness: Maintain a healthy hydration schedule. Sometimes, limiting fluid intake before stressful situations can help manage incontinence, but ensure you’re still drinking enough water throughout the day.
-
Professional Consultation: If the incontinence continues or worsens, seeking medical advice may be beneficial. Urologists or primary care providers can explore any underlying physical conditions and recommend further treatments or therapies.
By addressing both the psychological and physical aspects, you can work toward improved control and understanding of your incontinence. Remember, healing takes time, and it’s commendable that you are seeking help. Let me know if you need more info on any specific area!
Related Questions
Unusual Heart Sensation
I’m an 18-year-old, weighing 50 kilograms and standing at 170 centimeters (and yes, I’m aware that I’m quite slender). For the past couple of years, I’ve developed a habit of smoking about half a pack of cigarettes each day. So, the other day I was lying on my left side, relaxing, when I stumbled upon an unusual sensation. It felt as though my heart was pulsating so intensely that it was almost outside my body. Out of curiosity, I pressed a bit on the area and was instantly hit with a rush; my head started to tingle, my vision momentarily blurred, and it felt as though my heart dropped. It was as if my entire system had malfunctioned. Just for context, I’ve experienced something similar before after a ketamine overdose, and it persisted for about a month afterward, occurring occasionally while trying to sleep or during random moments in bed. This current episode has me quite anxious, especially since it hasn’t happened in a while, but this time felt particularly alarming.
Experiencing Heart Palpitations Following Chest Impact
I'm a 17-year-old female who has struggled with tachycardia for several years, having been diagnosed with postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS) about five years ago, although I haven't pursued further testing because I haven't completely lost consciousness. Recently, over the past month or two, I've started to experience sensations of my heart skipping beats, accompanied by difficulty in breathing during these episodes. These occurrences have become significantly more frequent, even when I'm at rest. Five years ago, I underwent a Holter monitor test, which indicated primarily tachycardia with occasional premature ventricular contractions (PVCs), but nothing alarming was found. In early December, I was struck hard in the chest by an elbow while in a mosh pit, which resulted in some pain when taking deep breaths for a few days. My sternum became bruised and slightly swollen, and it remained tender to touch for about two weeks, but this discomfort was manageable. I still feel some soreness when stretching, although it’s not severe. Additionally, I have diagnoses of Crohn’s disease and hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (HEDS), and I am currently on immunosuppressants. Given these circumstances, would it be advisable for me to seek medical evaluation, or could these symptoms be considered typical?
Post-Gallbladder Surgery Concerns: Potential Infection Three Weeks Later?
Subject's Age: 35 Gender: Female Height: 5 feet 4 inches Weight: 160 pounds Ethnicity: Asian Duration of Symptoms: Last Three Weeks Geographic Location: United States Relevant Medical History: Almost three weeks ago, I underwent gallbladder removal surgery. In the last few days, I have observed a small amount of cloudy discharge emerging from my incision site. Recently, I noticed what appears to be pus leaking from the area. While there is no significant pain, I do feel a mild soreness when I touch or move the site. I have not experienced any fever or chills, and there’s no unpleasant odor coming from the wound. Should I continue to clean the area with soap and water, or is it advisable to seek medical attention at the emergency room for further evaluation?
Understanding My Experiences with Dissociation and Physical Symptoms
Hello everyone! I'm 15 years old and I’ve been grappling with intense feelings of dissociation recently. About two years back, I experienced what I now refer to as a "silent seizure" for the first time. It happened around 2 PM while I was at school in the band hall. Suddenly, I found myself zoning out completely; I was just sitting there, disassociated from reality, until it dawned on me that I couldn’t seem to reconnect with my surroundings. Feeling lost, I turned to a friend and anxiously asked, "Where am I?" She chuckled, unaware of the seriousness of my situation, but I stood up and wandered out of the classroom, aimlessly walking towards the bathrooms. The sensation was akin to being in a dream—you know you’re somewhere, yet you can’t fully engage with the moment for what felt like 5 to 10 minutes. Strangely, I even had the feeling of observing myself from above as I moved through the halls, like a scene from a dream. In a state of panic, I contacted my mom. By the time I managed to leave school, my mind was clearing. She took me to her workplace where a colleague checked my blood sugar levels, revealing it was low. I had eaten that day, so this was unexpected (especially since my mother also faces issues with low blood sugar). This occurrence was unprecedented for me; thankfully, I haven’t faced such low levels since then. In the following weeks, I experienced intermittent dissociative episodes, prompting me to visit a doctor. I underwent blood tests, an electrocardiogram (EKG), and a routine examination. Everything appeared normal, except I was diagnosed with anemia—something my mother and sister also deal with. I walked away from that appointment without any real explanations, and after a while, the episodes subsided—thankfully, a relief. FAST FORWARD TO NOW: (15 years old) (Potentially relevant context) Recently, I’ve been enduring severe heart and chest discomfort. I’ve been noticing irregular heartbeats, sporadic strong pulsations, and sharp pain localized in my heart region and upper right chest. Lying on my side can be quite painful, and sometimes I struggle to take deep breaths. I make it a priority to get a full eight hours of sleep each night, I take daily vitamins, and I’m actively involved in competitive cheerleading, maintaining a healthy fitness level for my height and weight. We sought medical advice again, underwent numerous tests, and, once more, everything checked out fine. My heart was deemed healthy, and all other measurements were satisfactory. Initially, we suspected anxiety might be a factor, but my mom is hesitant to consider antidepressants, believing that my age may limit treatment options. She has recommended that I hydrate more and practice breathing exercises (which is somewhat ironic since I struggle to breathe when these pains occur, yet I don’t argue). UPDATE: During practice today, I unexpectedly experienced my first "silent seizure" episode in two years. It was more disconcerting than I recalled. I lost track of my location again and couldn’t re-engage with reality. It felt as if I was observing those around me from a dream-like vantage point. This realization frightened me, thinking that I had moved past these episodes. It took about ten minutes for me to regain my awareness of my environment. Additionally, this week, I noticed moments of dissociation, albeit not as intense as previous episodes. I found myself vacantly staring, and my vision felt oddly lazy, frequently. It's worth noting that I do not have a lazy eye. I plan to document these occurrences meticulously, and if they persist, I will consult my doctor again. Meanwhile, if anyone has suggestions about what might be happening to me, I would greatly appreciate it. Is this potentially linked to anxiety? I’m genuinely confused about my condition!
Identifying a Mysterious Brown Circle on My Scalp
Age: 21 Gender: Female Height: 5'4" Weight: 175 lbs Ethnicity: White (Scottish/Irish) Location: California Current Medication: Testosterone injection administered subcutaneously in the thigh While I was having my hair dyed blue, my girlfriend noticed a perfectly circular brown mark on my scalp. It resembles a circle that appears to have been made with a brown marker. The size of the ring is similar to my thumb’s tip and contrasts sharply with the lighter shade of my scalp. There is no evidence of hair thinning or loss around this circle; we only discovered it because we were parting my hair. I’m curious if this could be connected to the brain fog or headaches I’ve been experiencing lately. I looked online, and while ringworm was suggested, it doesn’t match my symptoms since there are no bald patches or flaky skin. I’m open to answering any additional questions to help clarify this situation, as it's causing me some concern.