Written By: Prerna Mittra | Updated : September 11, 2024 5:49 PM IST
A recent bizarre-but-unique campaign is urging people to start normalising taking a dump in public places, specifically office toilets. (Photo: Freepik)
Do you often feel strange -- embarrassed even -- when faced with the prospect of taking a dump in a public toilet? Many people get uncomfortable with the idea of relieving themselves anywhere other than home. As such, they hold on to their poo until they are in a comfortable space that they consider to be 'safe', such as the familiarity of a home toilet. Obviously, those who do not understand it may find it to be irrational, but this fear is quite common across the world. Some people just cannot deal with the fact that there is a person waiting outside while they take a dump, which is considered to be an extremely private activity.
But, to do away with this fear, the Queensland health department started a campaign earlier this month, which has gained a lot of traction on social media. Many people are praising the intention of this unique campaign that is urging people to start normalising taking a dump in public places, specifically office toilets.
On Instagram, a video was posted earlier this month, which was hilariously titled 'It's okay to poo at work'. The caption accompanying the video read, "Do you poo at work? Lots of people find it difficult to poo in public toilets. But we're here to tell you it's definitely okay to go number 2 at work!"
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The video had more than 26,000 likes and thousands of comments. "Consistently ignoring your need to poo can lead to stool getting stuck in your colon, haemorrhoids and other serious issues. So, it's better to let it out than hold it in," the caption cautioned.
It is true. Doctors have always warned that retaining stool can cause it to dry out and harden, making it more challenging to pass, leading to constipation. At the same time, straining to pass hard stool can cause hemorrhoids, swollen veins in the rectum or anus. In rare cases, retained stool can accumulate and cause a blockage in the intestine, leading to discomfort, bloating, and abdominal pain.
The caption also mentioned a condition called 'parcopresis'. "If you find it extremely difficult to poo around other people, you might have parcopresis. Sometimes called 'poo paranoia', people with this condition have an overwhelming fear of being judged by others because of the sounds or smells associated with poo-ing. As a result, they may experience symptoms like increased heart rate, sweating or nausea," it explained.
Parcopresis is also known as 'shy bowel' or 'psychogenic fecal retention'. It can lead to constipation, discomfort, and bowel obstruction. Its symptoms may include inability to defecate in public restrooms or outside the home; avoiding bowel movements due to fear or anxiety; constipation or infrequent bowel movements; discomfort or pain during defecation; bowel obstruction or severe constipation.
The Queensland health department shared the following tips for a stress-free public toilet poo experience:
What do you think of these tips?
