Hi, I have tourette's
Hi there, my name is Jan, I am a film student and I have tourette's. I have both motor and vocal tics and I have been diagnosed just recently. The process of my diagnosis was scary at times as they did brain tests and scans and checked for a lot of other possible reasons for my tics. But now I'm actually quite happy to finally have a diagnosis and a word for what I experience since my childhood. As I don't know any other people who have tourette's/tics I came here to meet others who might be able to give me some tips on how to deal with my diagnosis, my symptoms and how to move on from where I am now. :)
Over the course of the last years my symptoms got worse and I started to isolate myself more and more because I tried to suppress my tics whenever I was with people. It somehow worked but it was very unhealthy, both mentally and physically. My tics still make me feel pretty self-conscious, especially my vocal tics and now as a result of my diagnosis I try not to bottle them up so much anymore which is easier said than done. One doctor told me to go into therapy. Another one told me to just take meds because he thinks I don't need therapy. I'm still pretty confused about all of this and I would love to connect with some people about that. So...thanks for reading my text, it felt good writing it, have a nice day and if it's not, try to make it a little bit better. :)
It's nice to meet you, Jan! That must be relieving to finally have a diagnosis after so long. I struggled (and sometimes still do) with some of the things you said. You mentioned therapy and medicine--have you consulted a doctor about it? Some people benefit best from therapy, some do best with medicine, and a lot have a combination. The therapy used for Tourette's Syndrome is cognitive-behavioral therapy. Whether you go the medication or therapy route is ultimately up to you, but remember that therapy can help almost anyone.
Unfortunately, a lot of the medicines directly for Tourette's Syndrome can have hefty side effects, so a lot of the medicines prescribed for those with Tourette's actually targets an underlying issue that might make tics worse, such as depression or anxiety.
Personally, I've never taken medicine for my tics. I went to therapy when I was in high school and my therapist and I discussed a lot of coping mechanisms and discovered underlying issues that make my tics worse. If cost is an issue (which, no shame if it is because healthcare can be expensive even with insurance!), online therapy is worth checking out because it's often cheaper than in-person.
I loved hearing your story!
@Emily619 Hey Emily, I was happy to read your answer, thanks. :) I have talked with multiple doctors and neuroligists and I got different answers about medication and therapy. I have meds now but Im not sure if I want to take them. For me it feels better to cope with my tourette's in more natural ways in which I would be able to developing myself further on a personal level instead of just taking meds. I didn't get a lot of information about therapy and what kind of therapy would be the right one but it was interesting to hear about your experience with therapy. During my school years I developed some coping mechanisms which still work well including minduflness techniques. I still didn't figure out how to deal with tic attacks though. Sometimes it takes me one or two days to fully recover from them. Do you maybe have a tip about that?