20 October 2017
Talking openly and honestly about incontinence to loved ones
It can be extremely nerve-wracking to tell your family and friends that you are
experiencing some kind of incontinenceas it can feel embarrassing and very personal. But talking with your loved ones can help to regain your confidence and take back control of your life! Below are some top tips to help you to find the confidence to tell your loved ones what you are experiencing:
- Get informed on incontinence - understanding incontinence and how it can affect so many different people is really important – this will help you to feel secure in your knowledge when explaining what you are experiencing. Remember you are not alone as up to six millions people in the UK suffer from some kind of incontinence in their lives. A good place to start is our help and FAQs section on our Incontinence UK website.
- Find the right product to give you the confidence you need - there are many different types of incontinence products on the market to help you manage your incontinence. What’s right for one person might not be right for another. Here at Incontinence UK we stock a comprehensive range of adult male and female products – from disposable small insert pads to larger adult nappies to washable incontinence underwear to bed and chair incontinence products. If you need any help our friendly and discreet staff will be pleased to help you with advice or assistance.
- Muster the courage to have the conversation - it's always a good thing to share the issues and problems affecting us with loved ones. Loved ones can understanding and supportive. Which will provide relief as you are not keeping it a secret anymore.
- Don't Put Off the Talk - If you know leaks are interfering in your loved one's life, don't wait to have the conversation. Ignoring the problem doesn't make it go away and can actually make the initial discussion that much harder, as anticipation grows. And remember, the sooner you say something, the sooner your loved one will be feeling free again.
- Matter of fact - To the point, but without making it a big deal. Weave it into a conversation you're already having so there's no hyping up of the issue. Addressing it as just another, non-taboo topic can be incredibly confidence building.
- Humorous - making light of the facts of life. While humour certainly isn't for everyone, for some it's an easier way into an earnest conversation. Sometimes a little laughter can help and break the ice.
