Mental health and incontinence

Incontinence can affect more than just your body – it can also impact how you feel about yourself and your life.

Continence care supports both physical and emotional wellbeing. With the right help, you can feel more confident, connected and in control.

How incontinence may affect people

For some people, managing incontinence can lead to:

• feelings of embarrassment, rejection or isolation
• worry about going out or being with other people
• frustration or anger when things don’t improve
• grief over changes in the body or lifestyle
• depression, especially if people feel hopeless or helpless
• avoiding social situations and withdrawing from people they care about.

If this is how you feel, you’re not alone, and there are ways to feel better.

Signs of poor mental health

• ongoing sadness or low mood
• loss of interest in things you usually enjoy
• finding it hard to sleep or sleeping too much
• feeling anxious, irritable or overwhelmed
• withdrawing from friends or family
• changes in appetite or energy levels
• feeling like things won’t get better or that you don’t matter.

Ways to help you feel better

It’s okay to ask for help – these feelings are common and they can improve with the right support.

• talk to your GP (doctor) or nurse continence specialist – they understand and can help
• visit Beyond Blue for support and resources
• stay active – even gentle movement can help
• eat healthy food and drink plenty of water
• get enough sleep
• reduce alcohol and caffeine (coffee, tea, cola), and avoid smoking
• talk to someone you trust about how you’re feeling.

What you can do next

• Contact Beyond Blue to learn more about looking after your mental health and wellbeing
• Contact the National Continence Helpline on 1800 33 00 66 to talk to a nurse continence specialist.

This content has been reviewed by sub­ject mat­ter experts in line with Continence Health Australia’s established process. Read about our clinical content review protocol.