Imagine walking into a restroom, settling in to relieve yourself, and just as you do—someone else suddenly rushes out as if escaping a disaster. Weird, right? Well, this actually happened to a friend of mine. As we discussed the incident, I discovered that for some people, using a restroom—especially a public one—is not as simple as it seems.

This often-overlooked struggle is known as paruresis (shy bladder) and parcopresis (shy bowel), conditions that can cause intense anxiety about urinating or defecating in the presence of others. While most of us prefer the comfort of our own bathrooms, those with these conditions may find it nearly impossible to go anywhere else. The impact on daily life can be severe, leading to distress, social withdrawal, and even health complications from holding it in for too long.

Shy Bladder and Shy Bowel: Hidden Anxiety Disorders

For most people, using the restroom is a routine, unremarkable part of daily life. However, for some, the act of urination or defecation—especially in public restrooms—can be a major source of anxiety. This often-overlooked struggle is known as paruresis (shy bladder) and parcopresis (shy bowel), both of which can severely impact a person's quality of life.

Understanding Shy Bladder And Shy Bowel

Shy bladder and shy bowel are conditions characterized by extreme anxiety when using the toilet, particularly in public spaces such as offices, restaurants, or shopping malls. While many people feel a general preference for using their home bathroom, individuals with these conditions may find it nearly impossible to relieve themselves outside of their private environment.

Though there are no precise statistics on how many people experience shy bowel, research suggests that between 2.8% and 16.4% of the population may have shy bladder, with men being more commonly affected.

Symptoms And Impact

People with these conditions often experience intense anxiety when faced with the need to use a restroom in public or even in their own homes if others are present. Their anxiety can trigger physical symptoms such as:

- Increased heart rate

- Excessive sweating

- Rapid breathing

- Muscle tension

- Heart palpitations

- Nausea

- Trembling

The severity of symptoms varies. Some individuals may only struggle when restrooms are occupied, while others experience complete inability to urinate or defecate even in empty facilities. In extreme cases, individuals may hold their bodily functions for prolonged periods, leading to physical health risks like urinary tract infections (UTIs), constipation, and digestive discomfort.

Beyond the physical toll, these conditions can significantly affect a person’s social and professional life. Individuals may avoid long trips, social gatherings, or workplaces without private restrooms. This avoidance can lead to isolation, anxiety, and even depression, as they feel trapped by their inability to perform a basic bodily function.

A Form Of Social Anxiety

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), shy bladder is categorized as a sub-type of social anxiety disorder (SAD). While shy bowel is not explicitly recognized in the DSM-5, researchers believe it shares many characteristics with SAD.

Social anxiety disorder is characterized by a deep fear of social situations, often driven by concern about being judged or scrutinized by others. For individuals with shy bladder or shy bowel, this fear manifests in restrooms, where they worry about being overheard, taking too long, or being noticed by others.

A recent study involving 316 undergraduate students found that 22.8% reported experiencing symptoms of shy bladder or shy bowel. The study also identified common thought patterns among sufferers, including:

• Misinterpreting social cues – assuming laughter or noise in the restroom is directed at them.
• Fear of negative judgment– worrying that others will criticize them for taking too long or making noises.
• Fear of positive attention– feeling anxious about being noticed for something like a strong urine stream.

Treatment And Coping Strategies

Although more research is needed, current psychological findings suggest that treatment approaches for social anxiety disorder may also be effective for shy bladder and shy bowel.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT has proven to be beneficial in managing social anxiety and could help individuals with these conditions by challenging unhelpful thoughts and reducing the fear of judgment. Therapy can teach individuals to reframe their fears and gradually build confidence in using restrooms outside their homes.

Gradual Exposure Therapy

Like other anxiety disorders, avoiding the feared situation reinforces the problem. Exposure therapy involves gradually placing oneself in anxiety-inducing situations—such as using a public restroom when it is empty and slowly progressing to busier environments. This method can increase tolerance to anxiety over time.

When To See A Doctor?

Many people with shy bladder or shy bowel feel ashamed and avoid discussing their struggles. However, these are genuine anxiety disorders, and speaking to a doctor or mental health professional can be a crucial step in overcoming them.

Microplastics—those invisible particles of plastic pollution—may be doing more than just contaminating the environment. According to recent findings presented at the American Heart Association (AHA), they could also be silently contributing to clogged arteries, potentially raising the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

In a study that’s turning heads in the medical community, researchers discovered that fatty plaques found in neck arteries—known as carotid arteries—contained over 50 times more microplastic content compared to plaque-free arteries. Even more concerning, these microplastic concentrations were found to be significantly higher in individuals who had already suffered from a stroke, mini-stroke, or temporary vision loss caused by restricted blood flow.

What Exactly Are Microplastics?

Microplastics are extremely small particles—often less than five millimeters in size—created when larger pieces of plastic break down. They can enter the human body in multiple ways: through the air we breathe, the food we eat, and even skin contact. An even smaller subset, known as nanoplastics, measures under 1,000 nanometers and is completely invisible to the naked eye. Because of their minuscule size, these particles can infiltrate tissues, organs, and potentially disrupt biological functions.

The accumulation of microplastics in arterial plaques introduces a new dimension to the ongoing conversation about cardiovascular risk factors. While high cholesterol, smoking, and hypertension remain the usual suspects, environmental pollutants like microplastics are emerging as a stealthy but significant threat.

A Simple Solution In Your Kitchen?

Amid growing concerns about microplastic contamination, especially in drinking water, scientists have been working on practical ways to mitigate exposure. In 2024, a research team from Guangzhou Medical Centre made a breakthrough. They discovered that a common household activity—boiling water—can significantly reduce microplastic content in tap water.

According to the team, combining boiling with basic filtration can remove up to 90% of nanoplastic and microplastic particles (NMPs) from household water. However, the method’s effectiveness varied depending on the type of water used. In areas where tap water contains higher mineral content, commonly referred to as "hard water," the technique proved especially efficient.

The secret lies in limescale. As hard water is heated, it forms limescale—a chalky white substance—which appears to create a sticky layer that traps microplastic fragments. Researchers found this natural process enhanced the removal of plastic particles from water, offering a practical and affordable solution for most households.

While more research is needed to fully understand the long-term health effects of microplastics, early evidence suggests they may be more dangerous than previously thought—especially for cardiovascular health. Taking simple precautions, such as boiling and filtering drinking water, could help reduce exposure and offer a small but meaningful step toward safeguarding your heart and overall well-being.

Reading non-fiction books is not my cup of tea, while they are informative and important to read, when I read for pleasure, I want to immerse myself in a world that could never be. Reading fiction books like the Harry Potter series, Percy Jackson books and others like the Dragon Rider, were the reason I enjoyed reading. Often using these books as a means to escape difficult feelings, I never even realized how reading these books transformed my mental health, along with my perspective.

Reading plays an important role for your mental health; books offer numerous advantages for one's mental well-being. Whether the preference lies with short stories or lengthy novels, colorful picture books or digital formats, various forms of literature can provide valuable benefits. This piece will explore several key reasons why reading is so beneficial for mental health.

How Does Reading Impact Mental Health?

According to a 2022 PLoS One study, reading fiction can improve people's mental well-being. The researchers conducted five different studies to see how various ways of engaging with fiction affect individuals. These methods includes recalling past fiction reading experiences, being instructed to read fiction, discussing fiction in comparison to non-fiction, and discussing different types of fiction.

The research shows that books had a positive influence on people's mood and emotions. However, it appears that simply reading fiction might not lead to an immediate improvement in mental well-being. The brain seems to require a period of processing and understanding the story before positive effects can be observed.

Ways Reading Can Affect Your Mental Health

Mental Health First Aid England, a social enterprise that offers guidance and training for mental health in workspaces, explains that whether the preference lies with short stories or lengthy novels, colorful picture books or digital formats, various forms of literature can provide valuable benefits. Here are some ways it helps us.

Reading captivating books brings joy and immersion, making time disappear. Finishing a good story can evoke sadness or eagerness for more, highlighting reading's positive impact.

Reading as a Stress Buster

Engrossing oneself in a book for just six minutes can significantly reduce stress by lowering heart rate and easing tension, outperforming other relaxation methods.

Acts as a Coping Mechanism

Reading offers an escape from the real world, providing a coping mechanism, especially in childhood. This immersion can be transformative, influencing how we interact with the world.

Building Empathy

Reading fiction enhances empathy, improving the ability to understand others' feelings and thoughts, temporarily boosting this crucial social skill.

Keeping Your Brain Sharp

Lifelong cognitive activities like reading slow down memory loss and reduce mental decline in later life compared to less stimulating pursuits.

Finding Support and Healing in Reading Groups

Discussing books in reading groups can significantly improve mental health, aiding concentration, emotional understanding, self-awareness, and meaningful discussions.

Boost Your Sense of Control and Offer a Safe Space

Discussing books fosters a sense of control and independence, benefiting mental well-being. It provides a positive and safe way to process challenging topics.

Understanding Adulthood

Reading for pleasure in adolescence enhances academic performance, social engagement, and personal development, offering insights into adult life.

Boosting Your Intelligence

Research confirms that reading increases intelligence, leading to a larger vocabulary, broader knowledge, and improved verbal skills.

On the day of World Malaria Day, as we raise awareness on the dangers posed by this mosquito-borne disease, let's delve a bit deeper into how malaria is different from the other mosquito-borne diseases.

Dengue vs Malaria

Both malaria and dengue are transmitted by female mosquitoes and cause severe illness in humans. There are certain similarities between the two diseases and the mosquito species, which is why the patients and diagnoses are often confused.

As per the co-Principal Investigator, Dr Charles Guissou, for the Target Malaria, a vector control research alliance's Target Malaria Burkina Faso at the Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, "Dengue and malaria are two very different diseases caused by different pathogens and different mosquito species." “Misdiagnosis between malaria and dengue is common, and this can then contribute to inappropriate medical care.”

Every year, malaria causes 200 million cases worldwide, leading to 600,000 deaths. Many of these cases are from Africa, where children and pregnant women pay the highest price. The World Health Organization (WHO) has also reported that in 2022, Africa was home to 95% of malaria cases and 95% of malaria deaths. The global incidence of dengue has grown significantly in recent decades. Cases reported to WHO increased from 505,430 in 2000 to 6.5 million in 2023.

Dr Ajay Gupta, Head & Director - Internal Medicine, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Vaishali also points out the key differences between malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases. He says, "Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites, transmitted through the bite of infected Anopheles mosquitoes. In contrast, dengue, chikungunya, and Zika viruses are transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. This distinction in the type of mosquito also reflects differences in peak biting times—Anopheles mosquitoes bite during nighttime, while Aedes mosquitoes are daytime biters."

"Another key difference lies in complications and disease progression. Malaria, especially caused by Plasmodium falciparum, can progress rapidly to severe illness with cerebral involvement, anemia, kidney failure, and even death if not promptly treated. Dengue, on the other hand, is known for a sudden drop in platelet count and risk of hemorrhage. Chikungunya commonly leads to prolonged joint pain, sometimes lasting weeks or even months after the infection clears," notes the doctor.

There is also a difference between how the mosquitoes that spread dengue and malaria.

The Aedes Mosquito

It is responsible for spreading dengue and has white stripes down the center of the thorax. It also has a resting position where its body is kept low and parallel to the ground, with the proboscis angled downward. It is slender, and the wings have distinctive white markings.

The Anopheles Mosquito

It is responsible for causing malaria and has long palps. It is dark in color and the resting position follows it abdomen at a 45-degree angle to the surface.

Zika Virus

Zika is a viral infection also transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, which is the first difference from malaria, in the species of mosquito that causes it. As per the WHO, those with Zika virus do not tend to experience symptoms, and if they do, it includes rash, fever, conjunctivitis, and muscle and joint pain. The symptoms are also what makes it different. They appear from 3 to 14 days after being bitten.

Chikungunya

This is also caused by Aedes mosquitoes, and the symptoms usually appear within 4 to 8 days after infection. The symptoms include fever, joint pain, headaches, and nausea.

Yellow Fever

This is caused by Aedes and haemagogus mosquitoes. People who are infected with this virus do not get sick and experience only mild symptoms. As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 12% of people who have symptoms develop serious illness, which includes organ failure and jaundice.

The key difference between all other mosquito-borne diseases and malaria is the species of the mosquito that causes it. While all the others are caused by Aedes, malaria is caused by the Anopheles.

What Else Makes Malaria Different Other Than The Type Of Mosquito That Causes It?

Drinking Beer Could Increase Chances Of Infection

According to the scientists at the University of Emory, in their 2010 study, they found that beer produces an odour in your body that is irresistible to the malaria-carrying mosquitoes.

It Could Take Four Years To Develop Symptoms

There are rare strains of this disease which could in fact take months or even years to get diagnosed. In one of the rare cases, malaria was diagnosed four years later the individuals were infected, reported UK's The Telegraph.

Malaria And Its Connection With Snow White

In 1943, Disney was tasked with creating a film to promote public health awareness. The result? The Winged Scourge — a rather unusual PSA where the Seven Dwarfs learn how to fight off malaria-spreading mosquitoes.

Malaria Has Killed Four Popes, And At Least Eight Presidents Have Suffered From It

George Washington battled malaria, and the disease is also believed to have claimed the lives of Pope Leo and Pope Sixtus—just a few of its prominent victims.

Malaria And India

The doctor also points out that diagnosis and treatment also vary. "Malaria is typically confirmed with a blood smear or rapid diagnostic test and is treated with specific antimalarial drugs. There is no antiviral treatment for dengue, chikungunya, or Zika—management is primarily supportive," he says.

In India, we often see a spike in these illnesses during and after the monsoon season, However, malaria control efforts—such as early diagnosis, insecticide-treated bed nets, and vector control—have significantly reduced the burden in recent years.

"Preventive strategies like eliminating stagnant water, using mosquito repellents, and ensuring proper sanitation are universally effective. But recognizing the distinct nature of malaria is key to prompt diagnosis and management," notes Dr Gupta.