Overactive Bladder (OAB) is a common condition, but the emotional toll it takes is often less talked about. While OAB can be managed and treated, the day-to-day experience can impact a person’s mental health, relationships, and confidence—particularly when it's left unspoken or untreated.
In this blog, we explore the emotional and psychological challenges that can come with OAB, share expert perspectives, and highlight the support and solutions available to help you feel more in control. We spoke to two healthcare professionals, Dr. Sarah Murphy and Dr. James Forde, to learn more about the often hidden mental health burden that comes with managing OAB.
OAB affects more than just the bladder—it can disrupt daily life, interfere with sleep, and erode emotional wellbeing. As Dr. Sarah Murphy shares: “It’s hugely debilitating because it’s affecting your sleep, which is affecting your energy levels and your mood in the day.” Living with OAB in silence is unfortunately all too common. The condition might not seem serious to others, but for those living with it, the impact is real. Shame and stigma can stop people from seeking help. They may feel embarrassed or assume it's just part of getting older—but it doesn’t have to be this way.
The effects of OAB can often manifest as changes in routine or avoidance of once-enjoyed activities. Small changes, like shortening a walk or deciding to skip an event you used to enjoy, can snowball into isolation and loneliness. If these behaviours continue unchecked, they can contribute to low mood, anxiety, and loss of self-esteem. Dr. James Forde explained that those trying to manage OAB can be filled with constant worry that can impact their everyday lives and ultimately their emotions too,
“They’re just very embarrassed at the potential that they could have an accident… could be wearing pads, thinking, ‘Do I need to bring a change of clothes with me?’”.
While finding ways to manage OAB can feel challenging, it isn’t something to feel ashamed of. Many people experience symptoms, and the good news is that support and treatment are available. One of the biggest hurdles is simply starting the conversation with your GP or healthcare provider. Dr. James Forde notes, “I suppose my experience is there’s a lot of patients who are living with this in silence” and Dr. Sarah Murphy reassures patients, “It’s not your fault. There’s nothing you’re doing wrong… It’s a mechanical issue.” Acknowledging OAB as a medical condition—and not just “something to put up with”—can be the first step toward regaining control.
Many people who speak to their GP and work with them to find ways to manage their OAB experience significant improvements in their daily life and emotional wellbeing. Dr. Sarah Murphy notes that when patients come in and speak to her about their overactive bladder journey, once they seek support and implement changes, their quality of life improves, “What they’ll always say is, ‘my quality of life is so much better’, And that’s the aim here”.
Even something as simple as getting a full night’s sleep can be life-changing, as anyone with OAB would know. Having a name for what you’re experiencing—Overactive Bladder—helps to reduce the shame and offers a sense of validation.
If OAB is affecting your emotional wellbeing, know that you're not alone—and support is available. The first step is to speak to your GP or healthcare provider. They can help you track your symptoms, discuss treatment options, and support your path forward.
Here’s some helpful answers to questions you may have:
Let’s continue breaking the silence around OAB—because support, relief, and a better quality of life are possible.
If you think you may be experiencing a bladder control problem, try the questionnaire.
MAT-IE-NON-2025-00052 November 2025