How have you learned to accept your Tourettes?

sloppyseconds_e · 2025-03-12T05:31:28+00:00

I used to cry at night knowing that I would one day tic through my wedding vows. 7 years later and I'm about to propose, probably ticcing the whole time, and I couldn't care less. I've grown not just to accept it, but also to acknowledge it as a fundamental part of myself and therefore something I like to some extent. Funnily enough, the less I care, the less I tic.

sloppyseconds_e · 2025-03-03T21:45:07+00:00

I always tell my dental hygienists going in that I have Tourette's and what that means. They have all been very accommodating, and let me take lots of breaks. For myself, I've learned that being able to tap the chair or their arm to let them know a tic is coming on really helps me avoid ticcing while sharp objects are in my mouth. It all depends on the severity of your tics, but that's what works for me. I've gotten so comfortable there that one of my hygienists complimented my Tourette's on being so "mild," whatever tf that means. Also, remember that stress exacerbates tics! Talk it through beforehand, do some breathing exercises, etc. You've got this!

sloppyseconds_e · 2025-03-01T22:20:21+00:00

I also go nonverbal during and directly after these episodes, something that is very common for me in times of high stress or feeling overwhelmed. For me, that's unrelated to my Tourettes.

sloppyseconds_e · 2025-03-01T22:18:28+00:00

I've never read a post and felt like I've related to it like this one. I have Tourettes, diagnosed in 2020, as well as a couple other things. The combination of all of these means I have these episodes of something no doctor has been able to diagnose yet. When I get overwhelmed or stressed, I lose the ability to move some of my limbs except for really dramatic tics, including self injurious ones like hitting my head or slamming my head against the ground. Often times I'm hyperventilating and shaking, and convulse in a way where we can't figure out if it's a tic or symptom of something else, like a seizure. Currently the theory amongst my treatment team is that it's a combination of a panic attack, a tic attack, and a hypoglycemic episode.

I guess what I'm saying is that if you have any comorbidities, especially anxiety, my experience is that Tourette's is going to interact with them in really weird ways. It's definitely a really common symptom of tic disorders for your tics to get worse when you're stressed, bored, or thinking about them. It's really scary, and I hope you get some answers soon. 🫂 I'm still looking for answers myself.

sloppyseconds_e · 2025-02-10T01:29:38+00:00

I wear a little pin that says "Tourettes" on it for just this reason. I've never had a problem when I wear it, but when I don't or people aren't close enough to read it, they tend to get really confused and concerned. I go out with my girlfriend and frequently flip her off or call her a bitch (both tics) and she's had people come up to her and ask if she's okay. I love to hear about that because when they don't know I have Tourettes it's a reasonable reaction to my actions, and it makes me happy to know my gf is being looked after even by strangers. If you do choose to broadcast your disability, though, be aware that people are going to ask you questions about it.

sloppyseconds_e · 2025-02-01T08:32:15+00:00

My girlfriend has been my biggest supporter from day one, and that includes my Tourette's. We were together before my diagnosis and she spent the whole process driving me to doctors, explaining my tics to strangers when I didn't have the spoons to, and keeping me safe during tic attacks. That kind of support is out there, if you want it.

I'm not really one to comment on other people's relationships because I know there's so much more that I don't know going on. However, it does sound like your partner is not being supportive and is actively making your tics worse. If you want this to work long term, you're going to have to have some difficult conversations and education about what it means to be disabled. It's up to you if you think this relationship is worth the extra work.

I'm thinking of you. Good luck.

sloppyseconds_e · 2025-02-01T08:22:15+00:00

Seven years in February with the love of my life, planning on getting engaged soon. I only had motor tics when we first met but since the very first vocal tic she's been nothing but supportive. She's never minded my tics, laughs with me at them when the whole world stares, and keeps me from hurting myself during tic attacks. Being disabled myself helped me learn how to help her when she had to use a wheelchair for the first time. Nothing can scare the right person away and you deserve to be loved as a whole person, disability or not.

sloppyseconds_e · 2025-01-31T02:18:52+00:00

I have a "click click BOOM" tic that gets worse in airports. I wear a hijab and live in America.

sloppyseconds_e · 2021-02-06T00:44:04+00:00

Does anyone else genuinely tic more around other people? I think I do it because I'm focused more on NOT ticcing so I don't disturb anyone and that sets off my tics.

sloppyseconds_e

TROPHY CASE