Overcoming shame, smashing stigma & building confidence for people with incontinence

It’s not uncommon to feel a loss of confidence when you develop incontinence. However, it’s not a reflection of your character or worth. It’s not just for old people and not just for women after they give birth. Bladder and bowel problems affect people of all ages and genders for all kinds of reasons. Recognising this is the first step toward rebuilding or reinforcing your self-esteem.

You’re still the same person.

Normalise the experience: Remind yourself that incontinence is a common condition experienced by millions of people worldwide. Sharing your experiences with supportive friends, family, or joining a support group can provide a safe space to discuss and get some perspective on your situation.

Educate yourself: Understanding the causes and management techniques for incontinence can help you regain a sense of control and empowerment. Knowledge about available treatments, exercises, and lifestyle changes can significantly improve your quality of life and boost confidence.

Talk to your GP: Don't hesitate to consult healthcare professionals who specialise in treating incontinence. They can offer guidance, personalised treatment plans, and recommend suitable incontinence products to address your specific needs.

Education and awareness: One of the best ways to help other people understand what you’re experiencing is through education and awareness. Learn as much as you can about incontinence and through your own knowledge and experiences you can dispel misconceptions and challenge negative attitudes. Public awareness campaigns, informational resources, and community events can all play a big role in fostering understanding and empathy.

Open and honest conversations: Encouraging open and honest conversations about incontinence can help normalise what you’re experiencing and create a safe space for people to share their experiences. By breaking the silence and speaking openly about your incontinence, we can promote understanding and compassion, while also offering support and solidarity to those who may be struggling. 

Support groups and networks: Joining or starting support groups and networks specifically for individuals with incontinence can be seriously beneficial. They provide an opportunity for people to connect with others facing similar challenges, share advice, exchange coping strategies, and offer emotional support. By fostering a sense of community, these groups can help combat feelings of isolation and empower you to overcome the stigma associated with incontinence. 

If you’re into Facebook, you’ll find quite a few incontinence support groups, such as: Bladder & Bowel Community Support Group. 

When it comes to managing incontinence effectively, choosing the right incontinence products plays one of the biggest roles. Once you’ve got a solution that suits you, you can go about your day without the anxiety of leaks. Go for a bike ride, walk round the park with the kids, hug your grandson a little tighter, it’s all possible once you’re stocked up with decent incontinence products.

You need a solution that works, and is reliable and cost-effective. Seems like a lot right? If you head down to your local supermarket, it’s unlikely you’ll find something that ticks all of the boxes. Supermarkets often charge far too much compared to online retailers. 

Vivactive are a leading brand of adult incontinence products that you won’t find in the supermarket. Our online-only approach means we can offer premium quality items at a far lower cost than the supermarkets. Confidence, without the cost.