Many thanks to Depend for sponsoring today’s story and encouraging people to #dropyourpants for #underwareness.
A million thoughts are running through my brain as I just pee’d my pants. I just never thought the day would come. I am beyond embarrassed and hiding in shame. Rushing to the bathroom was of no use, it was already too late. I wonder if anyone is looking at me. Can they tell? Can the see the wet stain?
My daughter asks “Mommy what’s wrong?”. My son is screaming it smells like pee and it wasn’t me. People are beginning to stare as I try to get through the checkout. The cashier is dealing with a price check. Great, just what I need – another delay. All I want to do is abandon my cart and go home. But I can’t, we need milk and stuff for dinner.
Being a responsible mom sometimes sucks and this is one of those moments.
Have you ever been there? Well, I have. In fact this was me about three years ago when my bladder just decided enough was enough. I’ve been to the OB and even a family physician, they all say the same. It happens sometimes when you have several children and even more common in those who have had c-sections. My problem is not consistent, so all they can do is suggest bladder leakage protection for the times I need it.
I can say, I have been lucky. For the most part I know when I am at risk. Usually a week to 10 days before that time of the month, my ability to hold it is nearly nonexistent. There have been times when I just wanted to cry. Yes, even at the store, even in front of my children and even at a work event. Knowing this is something that happens, is what gets me though. Realizing the fact that more people with bladder leakage are in their 20’s than their 80’s. That’s right – people in their 20s!
At 36, accidents likes these are not something I wanted to think about or deal with. Who wants to? No one! Depend is thin and comfortable to wear, it is not a big, bulky diaper! I know for me when I started hearing that I need incontinence protection, I immediately went mom brain and pictured a baby diaper. Depend is not that at all and while I do not have to wear them everyday, Depend® for Women Underwear with FIT-FLEX™ Protection are a good solution for me during the days of the month I need them.
Just realizing that I am alone, allows me to breath easier. In fact, over 65 million Americans experience bladder leakage. To help support them and bring the condition and Depend Underwear out of hiding, Depend has created a new and fun social movement and charitable cause called Underwareness. I am happy to share my Underwareness story even as embarrassing as it is, to help support the millions of Americans with bladder leakage and help to break down the stigma of shame.
Depend will donate $1, up to $3 million, over the next three years to charities that advance the research, education and awareness of bladder leakage for: Every pant drop, photo and video shared using #Underwareness and #DropYourPants; and every personal video made about what Underwareness means to you that is uploaded to YouTube and tagged #Underwareness and #DropYourPants.
Will you join me and drop your pants?
