23/09/2022
Do you have an overactive bladder with a frequent urge to urinate? These simple Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) techniques for bladders triggers could be helpful!
a. P*e in the morning when you get up.
b. Fluid load: Guzzle 32 ounces of water.
c. Get busy/get involved with your daily activities.
d. As you start to feel the urge to void, expose yourself to the trigger that causes urge incontinence (could be walking by
the bathroom door, turning on the taps, putting your key in the front door).
e. As you expose yourself to your trigger practice the skills that you have been taught to control your urge- ie. Stop (stand still), breathe in a relaxed manner for 2-3 minutes, use a kegel or do a movement/exercise that relaxes your pelvic floor like a squat.
Once the urge feels like it is under control, walk slowly to the bathroom to void. If the urge gets uncontrollable again, repeat what you just did to get the urge under control.
f. Sometimes counting backward from 100 by 3's or 7's can be distracting. This can be done while walking to the
bathroom.
g. Remember that what fires together, wires together. Calm breathing, a calm mind, and a calm body need to fire together when you have an urge. Changing your thoughts and behaviours associated with triggers that cause an urge reflexively can be retrained. It just takes a bit of effort and consistency on your part.