Fear of Bathrooms

by Cathy
(United States)

I am 19 years old and for as long as I can remember I have had a fear of bathrooms. I do alright when I'm at home, but if I'm in public I have a very difficult time using a restroom. Especially if the lighting is dim or if it is one of those one-stall bathrooms. It seems that the smaller the bathroom is, the more afraid I am.

My mother laughs about it now because she thinks that I grew out of it, but it is a real hassel.

If I go into a bathroom, I have to cover my ears and squint so I can only see what is in front of me. My chest tightens and I start breathing heavily. I even have nightmares about bathrooms!

If anybody has any advice, or shares this fear, please help me. It's driving me nuts.