Breaking Her Silence: Some Things Are Too Important To Hold In

NAFC is excited to debut a short film about coming to terms with incontinence. About just how challenging it can be to admit that there’s a problem. And also about how facing up to that reality can be an important first step towards drier days.

For so many of us, incontinence didn’t come on suddenly. It developed slowly, over time. Maybe it began with a few small leaks. Or maybe you started to notice that something wasn’t quite right after childbirth or surgery.

Back then, it might have felt manageable. Like it was no big deal at all. “It’s just a part of getting older,” you might have told yourself. Perhaps you even resigned yourself to the idea that there wasn’t much that could be done about it.

But small changes have a way of turning into big problems. The sort of problems that keep you from your friends and family. From enjoying the things you love to do. From living life on your terms.

No matter how pronounced your condition is, whether it’s just a bit of occasional wetness or a total lack of bladder control, the emotional toll can be overwhelming. Embarrassment, shame, fear – these are all common feelings that people who experience bladder leaks share.

While it might seem natural to hold these feelings in, it never helps to hide your condition. Not from your loved ones, and certainly not from your doctor. The best way to take back what incontinence has taken from you is to be open and honest with yourself and those around you. Seek out care. Share your condition with those close to you so they know what you’re going through.

You’ll be surprised by what happens when you do. Incontinence is far more common than most of us realize, and there are sure to be others close to you who are suffering silently themselves. Your story may be the inspiration they need to seek out help.

Above all, remember this: You are not alone. Speak out, get help and start living the life you deserve.

Click the link below to watch the video and see for yourself how sharing your condition with a loved one can make a world of difference, not only for you, but for those who matter most to you, too.

Ready to take the next step? Check out these great resources from NAFC to learn more about your condition, and to help you talk about it with others.

NAFC Resources

• Learn how to talk to your loved ones about incontinence in this helpful blog post: How to talk to your loved ones about incontinence.

• Join the NAFC Message Boards, a great community full of supportive people who know what you’re going through.

• Ready to share your story? Tell us about your experience with incontinence and your path to treatment!

• Learn tips for talking about your condition with your doctor.

• Learn more about your condition.