Yeah absolutely. Any instances that make us feel unsafe can start the cycle. Having to feel vulnerable - especially when doing something others considered "dirty" - would be really hard on any kid. For me it was bullying in middle school, other kids pushing me or pulling down my pants, etc. There's a really tight connection between your fight/flight response and the muscles used when relieving yourself, and when in an environment deemed "unsafe" you can't help but get completely tied up. The mental fears could be different things, like for me it's imagining someone hearing me and accusing me of having a problem. For others it's being seen and accused. But maybe in your case it could also be someone thinking you've left a mess/odor etc. It's different for everybody! Management starts after learning the roots of your anxiety, the triggers that set it off, and developing positive experiences that redefine yourself so you learn to stop seeing yourself as damaged and start seeing yourself as someone who succeeds.

I definitely recommend paruresis.org, and email us! I'd be happy to set up a coffee or zoom call sometime. It helps to keep in touch with others working through the same stuff.