shower phobia?

Question

i have a very bad shower phobia. does anyone know if theres a name for it? haven't been able to find anything about it as yet. Its the whole thing, the fact of stepping in the cubicle, with the showerhead, it sounds so ridiculous, but it terrifies the you know what out of me. I could never, in a million years step in the cublicle and shut the door behind me, which is really rubbish as most people do this on a daily basis! I just find the whole idea of being underneath the showerhead absolutly terrifying. Luckily we have a bathtub so no showers, but on holidays, its torture. I have to literally stand at the edge of the cubicle not daring to step in, half in, and half out, and attempt to wash like that! , which is really stupid i know but. Anyone know anything which could help?

the shower is not my friend! i avoid it at all costs. And im not dirty, baths keep you just as clean! But id just like to sort this out...

Its really not something i can just forget about or get over, i have seriously had this for well over 10 years now. Any ideas anyone?

I really don't think it's that ablutophobia(sp.) because i really have no issue with the process of taking a bath, or the process of washing myself, i'm a very clean person, it's just mainly the showerhead, and the cubicle, shutting the door and being in the shower, it just scares me so much. I think its a little to do with the small space, but im totally fine in other small spaces, just so long as there is no shower inside! And i can cope with showers in my local swimming pool, but i think this is as its a large, open area, and there are usually others around, and i know i can just run into the changing rooms if something weird happens with the shower or the water. I'm not too keen on the idea of going to see a professional though! But i might look into it in the future, if it'l help. Thanks for the helpful, understanding answers so far, they have helped.

Answer 1

wow...u got issues...sorry...just had to tell u what I think...The shower is ur friend.It keeps u clean..It sure keeps me clean... =) Maybe if u find something fun to do in the shower you won't be so afraid... lol...buy a house with a tub and not a shower or play try playing outkast so fresh and so clean while u bathe....it might motivate u ...

Answer 2

Ablutophobia is a fear of washing yourself or taking a bath or shower.

I know of a person who has it and has gradually gotten over it. The person was afraid of getting sick as a result of showering rather than the space. Your phobia seems to be related to the small space rather than getting sick.

If you go to see a psychologist, they'll do systematic desensitization therapy with you. At first, they'll teach you some relaxation techniques and then ask you to imagine that you are stepping inside the shower.

When you are relaxed and in a positive state, imagining that you are in the shower will more likely take away the negative feelings of the event bit by bit. They will very gradually practise these things and slowly get you in the shower - but only when you are ready.

They will need access to a shower & they might take you to a medical facility that has a shower and when you're ready and it's not so scarey anymore they'll have you sit on the shower, step in with one foot, both feet, and finally have you close the door (everything is clothed of course).

I don't know if you are able to do this on your own, but it's easiest with the help of a psychologist. They might see you twice in their office for a few hours and then practise at the site for maybe two more visits.

It seems that you are really afraid of this and it's been following you for a decade, but you can actually cure it really quickly. In 2-4 sessions, I believe that you can get rid of it permanently.

To be more specific, it would be good to see a psychologist (NOT a psychiatrist) who specializes in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) or even Behavioural Therapy. Search for CBT therapists in your area and I'm sure you'll find many.

You can even go to your doctor and get a referral to one and they will be able to help you.

Answer 3

This is a very open question and I admire you for bringing it forward.
Showering places you in a vulnerable position. You are without clothes and alone. Which may be bothering you too. It's not water that is bothering you because you stated that you do not mind the bathtub. So this tells me it is not an issue of a fear of small/closed spaces. I do not know if you live alone, if so can you leave the door open and perhaps play some of your favorite music while showering. Another option would be attaching a shower sprayer that you hold and control. It attaches to the shower head and has a grip handle (like a garden hose does) and you spray when and where you want.
Good luck to you.

Answer 4

I would see a professional of some kind. This is a phobia as already has been explained. It does not make you mad or stupid. We survive because our brains / minds enable us to. That is why you do not try to fly of cliffs. Thank goodness for your mind.
Sometimes the survival part of our memory / mind learns things that are illogical. We do not have to be aware of learning this lesson. This often happens when we are very small children, which we as adults, even children have learnt is not reasonable. It is too late not stepping into a cubicle to shower becomes as important to you as not jumping off cliffs.
A Professional will help identify the cause of the problem and help you find your way around it. It is possible to get over it. Happy holidaying.

Answer 5

hi there, first can there be a possibility of unhappy event had occured in ur childhood about shower? or can it be possible that you are actually afraid of small concealed area rather than shower?
in any way tht it maybe, your best chance is a psychologist since u wanna get rid of this phobia.
and yes, hypnotistism will help a lot if u are up to take the risk. just make sure u find a professional hypnotist.bcus is tht person isnt professional, tht person will have a chance tht will mess with ur thoughts and memories.

and all above is just my personal comments and thoughts from my knowlegde. please correct me if i am wrong.

hope this help

Answer 6

I can relate to you I suppose. When I was younger, I HATED showers because I was always afraid the lights would shut off and I'm deathly afraid of being in pitch black dark. I actually start freaking out when it becomes pitch black, I get really nervous, my heart beats wildly, and sometimes, I'm actually near tears.

Now, once in awhile I get a little freaked out when I have to close my eyes in the shower because I'm afraid some ghost or murderer or something will attack me like they do in the movies. Hell, when I'm in a hotel, I refuse to shower and only shower for like 5 minutes if I must because I'm afraid that someone may have died in there or it might be haunted.

I think you just have to ignore the fear and try to concentrate on how soothing it is to shower. That's how I calm myself down...it also helps that I'm usually in a rush when I'm in the shower.

Answer 7

you need exposure therapy. firstly take a waterpistol in to the bath with you and mess about squirting water around, killing your rubber ducky etc. then whenyou're happy with that then shoot the water into the air to land on you. then attach the shower when sitting in the bath. then let it play over you, hands first, then have a shower while in the bath. then have just a shower standing in a bath. then sell your house and buy a house with a shower cubicle. i think you get the drift.
otherwise try babywipes- and stop sweating ;)

Answer 8

when i was younger i was afraid to take a shower ,for some reason i felt like some1 was watching me or i was going 2 get stabbed in the back while i was shamphooing,i didn't know why i felt this way lucly i got over it i don't think there's anything wrong with u feeling that way sense u can still can be hygenic by taking baths instead.it could be worst u could have a phobia that gets in the way of everything like ur job and relationships

Answer 9

are u sure its a phobia?

might be a trauma. have u experienced anything bad before inside a small shower room?

or maybe as a kid u had some sort of experience that looks like or feels like entering the shower room?

sorry, can't help ya that much pal. just thought maybe i can remind you of some cause for ur fear factor.

Answer 10

~There are all kinds of phobias, not just a few that people can relate to. I suggest you go see a counselor and hopefully they can figure out where that fear is coming from so you can face it and shower again. Whatever you do, don't let them hypnotize you.
A fear like that COULD lead you into having a Panic Disorder if left untreated.
Don't be ashamed, it's a legitimate phobia.~
Good luck.

Answer 11

often, with any kind of phobia, you should confront it. Tell it that your not afriad (even if this is to a shower head or cubicle). Then step in and constantly say to yourself (if nessecery) "i am not afraid". Even if you have to do this everytime you go in it really can help.