Don't know if anyone else experiences this...
 

But it's really causing me a problem. Basically having a bath or shower terrifies me because of not having clothes on and it makes me feel really vulnerable and I'm really flashbacky at the moment. Anyone got any advice/can identify?

My best advice is to have really strong smelling shower gel/bubble bath to keep yourself grounded, and try to add fun things to your shower bath (we currently have a million rubber ducks and a duck sponge mitten and shower cap).

If you are particularly careful and fearless of the electricity plus water issue, bringing music/internet into the bathroom could help as distraction. You can get little bath speakers for mp3 players/ipods that are all very safe!

I have the same issues with baths.

Like Jenna said, music or a tv show on iplayer is really helpful (just keep the laptop someplace dry!!

Some times I turn the lights off. Sometimes I light a candle and turn the lights off.

When I've been worse and scrubbing at my skin for ages, Jenna comes and sits with me and makes funny duck noises... so maybe you could get a pack of bath toys to distract you with - like bath crayons, which I really want!!

Also, I agree with the strong smelly stuff. Really grounding.

At my worst I bathed with shorts and a tshirt - so maybe try that? or a swinsuit?

Thanks to you both for your excellent advice, think I will try the laptop just outside the room and when I can get some smelly bath stuff will try that (that sounds bad ;-p).

And Jodie I will keep that in mind, if I ever see bath crayons I will send them to you (if you tell me your address).

nooo, don't steal my present ideas :P

Ooh, and we have a really strong-smelling bubble bath that claims to be vanilla biscuit flavour and makes you smell like a custard cream. I don't like it because I don't want to smell like a custard cream, but the novelty of doing so certainly distracts from any woe! I shall take a peek and see what brand it is!

I have the same issue, I hate being unclothed at any time, for any reason - what I've found the most helpful is having music or the tv on (I bring my laptop with me into the bathroom, my flatmate thinks I'm nuts). I also agree with the strong-smelling products, it's good for grounding. This may sound really weird, but hey, it's RYL, sometimes if I'm really struggling I also conjure the image of someone I really trust in my mind and have a conversation with them while I'm bathing. Usually it's a close friend who is good at keeping me calm - I imagine what she'd say in response to my freaking out. Kinda helps me talk myself down.

Don't know if this is helpful, but you're not alone, and anytime you want to PM me please do. Take care honey *offers safe hugs*

Katie xxx

I hate being unclothed at any times and while I'm showering I always have terrible flashbacks. I find it helpful to bring in my iPod and place it on the dock in the bathroom. There's a remote in a ziplock bag which stays in the shower so that you can turn up/down the volume or change your song. I also make sure that all the doors are locked, and the window blinds are down. Oooooh. Bath crayons. I had drawn on the wall of the shower like flowers, quotes and such which help in grounding me. It also helps for me to turn out the lights because seeing myself naked usually sets off the flashbacks as well or I use a big sheet to cover the mirrors until I'm clothed. Also my bird like to come with me to the shower (he likes to sit on the top of it and catch the mist of the water) he talks really loud and when the flashbacks come I can whistle and he will start saying pretty pretty bird or making sounds. That helps in grounding me as well.

Don't know if that's much help, but best wishes -Alexis. 💞

I have exactly the same issues, it can be terrifying! I agree with Jodie, wearing some form of clothes helps. Lots and lots of bubbles also helps so i don't have to face anything i don't feel i can, and just to be awkward and the complete opposite, I have to have silence so I feel in control and safe so maybe trying both could be worth it? Being as prepared as possible can help as well I think... Like ensuring you know that you're safe, and in control? Have quite a set routine in which you do things! Hope you manage to overcome this, you are by no means alone!

It comes from Boots. :)

I also recommend from Lush the glittery bath bomb!

Thanks for all the support and advice, really helpful and it's good to know I'm not a complete oddity ;-p

Would it help if I came over and chattered nonsense at you?

Lots and lots of bubbles! Helps me to feel a bit less exposed also I never have showers.

Now Zed I slightly suspect there's some lesbian what I call 'urges' in that offer as well ;-p *quietly whistles and tootles off*

Bubbles do sound like a good idea, although I have to be careful what I use as my skin hates me ;-p

I am like that too. I find the imperial leather stuff is really good and it is one of the few things that seems to agree with me plus the green one especially smells nice.

I meant it as a genuine offer and am not responsible for any sordid fantasies of yours :eyeroll:

In all seriousness would it help if I rattled on through the door?
Bubbles also sound the best way to go =D

Casual prattling sounds good Thanks zed :)

I have problems showering too because I have issues with being naked. I don't have much advice to give but actually found this thread helpful in terms of the advice others have been giving so thank you for making it.

Thinking of you love

xx

As an update: Now have bath crayons, and it was oh so much fun. Also have bright green Horrid Henry bubble bath. I drew pictures and played with bubbles and watched The Simpsons and actually didn't have any bad thoughts for once!

I highly reccomend!

Nice one Jodie! Sounds like a fun bath :)

I can vouch for the very high-quality of bath-art produced!