It is unfortunate that some people in our society have to live with tics that affect their self-esteem. Tourette syndrome is a disorder that affects the vocal and motor skills of individuals. Statistics reveal that more than 100, 000 American citizens suffer from this condition.
The condition begins at a young age affecting people in their teens. The symptoms start from the neck to the head area. If you are a victim, you are familiar with the vocal and motor tics of Tourette syndrome.
Most patients experience heard jerking, eye blinking, shrugging shoulders, tongue clicking, and yelling phrases. Today, we give hope to such patients by letting you how you can cope with Tourette syndrome.
Avoid isolating yourself
Tics can be embarrassing if you don’t have the confidence to face ridicule and weird looks from your friends, classmates or colleagues. Staying in isolation makes you feel like you don’t belong and affects your relationships with others. Feel free when you are in the company of others and consider yourself unique in your own way instead of being embarrassed about your condition.
Bring things that keep you focused when in public
You can drift the attention from the tics by bringing a book as you wait in a public place. You can solve crosswords or puzzles to keep your mind occupied and avoid focusing on the tics. Allow yourself to get absorbed in needlework or a party mix on your iPad when you are away from home. Such things help you feel comfortable in public as you avoid any stares from people.
Make friends
Not all people are judgmental towards victims of disorders. Strive in making a friend every day so that you can create diverse networks. At the end of it all, some of them will remain loyal, and you will enjoy their company. If you could bring your friend with you when you go out, the strangers around will be at ease when the tics begin.
Inform yourself
Most people call this a rare disease with no cure. The cure, however, starts with equipping yourself with sufficient knowledge about your condition. Get online and search for information regarding the symptoms as well as treatment options. You can also find out more from your doctor.
Remain prepared
Understanding Tourette syndrome can help you prepare for sudden tics that occur beyond your control. If you know the exact tics you are prone to, you can control them. For instance, if you have spitting tics, you should ensure you bring handkerchiefs with you everywhere you go.
If your tics slow you down, you can learn to give yourself time to do things at your pace without feeling pressured to hurry. You can also prepare your family and friends to help them accommodate your condition,
Know how to react
Understand that people may respond differently to Tourette syndrome tics. When you face judgment, avoid acting on your emotions, instead give yourself time to cool down by walking away.
Sometimes, it would be helpful to defend your rights. You should never let people put you down because of your disorder. If you feel misunderstood by people, explain your situation to them. This will raise your self-esteem.
Seek opportunities
As a teenager, it is not easy to deal with your emotional fluctuations and Tourette syndrome at once. Find a place for you to release your emotions far from everybody else. This could be enjoying an activity you love such as skiing, running, dancing or swimming. You can also express your personality through a hobby.
Visit the doctor regularly
Getting a diagnosis can help you monitor your progress. Doctors say that Tourette syndrome can disappear on its own after some time. That is why you should check in with the professional to determine if you are getting better.
They can also prescribe some medication such as Neuroleptics to suppress the tics. Many people report effects like weight gain and depression. Letting your doctor know can prevent further complications.
They can get you universal medication or botulinum injections that deal with the affected muscles to minimize vocal tics. Central adrenergic inhibitors regulate behavioral symptoms like rage attacks and impulse problems.
Attend therapy
Different forms of therapy can help patients with Tourette syndrome. You can attend psychotherapy, behavior therapy or DBS. This condition is not considered a psychological one, but it may lead to such issues due to emotional and social problems.
Cognitive behavioral therapy for tics has training that is aimed at reversing habits as the therapist keeps track of your tics. This treatment can recognize premonitory urges and help you learn to react opposite to your tic.
Psychotherapy deals with problems such as anxiety or depression that may be caused by Tourette syndrome. If you have severe tics, DBS can help. In this, trained professional implant your brain with a medical device that is operated through a battery. This stimulates the parts that control movement in your brain.
Avoid substance abuse
Researchers say that you may be at high risk of getting depressed and turning to substance abuse due to low confidence from your tics. Do not self-medicate with drugs such as Xanax, heroin, cocaine or even alcohol. You can get Xanax addiction or any other from the substances and making it hard to treat different problems at a go. Talk to your family and friends if you are finding it hard to cope.
Get a support group
Use such a group to raise your self-esteem. It shows you that there are other teens like you and inspires you to take charge of your life. There are many Tourette syndrome support groups out there that welcome anyone despite their age or challenges. Feel free to share your experiences as you learn from others.
Final thoughts
Tourette syndrome is a condition that has a lot of stereotypes from those who don’t understand it. As a victim, we can assure you that our strategies will help you cope well regardless of the intensity of the tics. Don’t forget to use positive affirmations to yourself to enhance your confidence.