Use a sweater to wrap around your waist, or place a purse/bag/hat in the right area. Use your body. Change up your posture or fold/place your hands over the most visible areas. If there are other liquids around (juice, soda, etc. ) spill them on top of the wet spot. This will cover up any smell or stain, if any, and provide a credible excuse. Only use this method if you are aware it will wash out of your clothing, or if you do not care about staining your clothing. Wet the entirety of your bottoms, weather permitting, to even out the color. This may be a tad uncomfortable, but it will be less obvious that you have wet yourself.
Don’t ramble. The more explanation you provide, the more questionable it will seem. Use excuses like, you sat in something or spilled, and find a bathroom if you haven’t already.
Ask the people around you what you think is happening across the room, or make an outlandish statement that will require them to look away before they answer. What kind of food are they serving? Why are Anna and Ben hugging? I thought they got a divorce. Look, Jennifer Lopez’s new music video is on! That guy really doesn’t know how to play basketball.
Make sure not to draw attention to yourself. Walk casually to this location, for others might not even be aware of your troubles.
You may even find, after looking around the room, that you are surrounded by friends therefore panic is unwarranted. If you can’t find someone else to rely on, remember that you are your best ally. Trust in your capabilities that you can get through the situation independently and successfully.
Take your time. If you look too fast you may over or underestimate how visible it is.
Remove the item of clothing that is blemished and scrub, by rubbing the material together, with soap and cold water in the sink. Then soak up the moisture with paper towels or a hand drier until the material is dry. Scrub gently or aggressively depending on what kind of material is blemished. If you feel uncomfortable removing any clothing, scrub out the urine as best you can and dry afterward with your clothing still on. A simple excuse of “I spilled something on myself” would also serve as an understandable explanation.
Grab a good handful of paper towels from the bathroom. Lightly wet some of them with a little soap and water, but keep the rest dry. (If there are no paper towels, use toilet paper. ) Soak up the mess, wipe it down with the wet towels, and dry with the rest of the towels. To do this subtly you could use a foot to wipe down the mess. If someone notices, use a credible excuse. Dump the dirty towels back in the bathroom trash and thoroughly wash your hand with soap and water.
To prevent panic from escalating breathe deeply with your diaphragm. Distract yourself with little games like counting how many outlets are in the room, or which objects are the color blue. [3] X Research source Stress may have induced the accident in the first place. Stress Urinary Incontinence is a real thing, so take it easy. Remember, if you’re in public, you’ll probably never see most of those people again![4] X Expert Source Kirsten Thompson, MDBoard Certified Psychiatrist Expert Interview. 18 August 2021.
Emotions are contagious. If you express shame, sadness, or stress, those around you will react accordingly. By having a sense of humor you’ll most likely get a positive reaction. [5] X Research source Some studies have shown that smiling can make you happy. So even if you don’t feel happy, the act of smiling can provide a little relief. [6] X Research source
Stop apologizing. This keeps your mind in the past, and it was simply an accident. You are in the present, and presently there is nothing to apologize for.
Even if you’re in the middle of a conversation, leave. Others will understand and a difficult situation will be avoided.
Events like operas and plays may not let you leave the theatre. Airplanes, concerts, and sports games are notorious situations for difficult access to bathrooms.
Before you start drinking, note where the closest bathroom is. Ask your friends to tell you when they are going to the bathroom and go with them. You may forget or not realize how badly you need to go. Use a Blood Alcohol Calculator to determine exactly how drunk you are getting. You may not feel the effects of the liquor right away and continue to drink. [8] X Research source
Adults wear diapers and sanitary napkins for a variety of different reasons that can cause bladder control issues[9] X Research source : Urinary infections Prostate gland enlargement Specific diseases (Parkinson’s, arthritis, dementia, etc. ) Pregnancy Post-Menopause
