Life With Tourette's

In light of May being "Mental Health Awareness" month and supporting #4mind4body, I wanted to share with you one of my trials, especially as I speak and engage in front of so many.

Many ask me, "Why in the world are you in this profession when you have Tourette's Syndrome? Doesn't that make it so much harder on you? Don't you get embarrassed, especially being in front of people? Well, my response is this:

"It's a trial for me. It always will be. But, I'm not going to let it stop me—though, it can be very embarrassing—from doing what I need and want to do. I'm here for the people. If I experience some effects of Tourette's in front of them, I'm not going to let it keep them from receiving my message. Hopefully they appreciate me for who I am and how I can help them rather than a motor tic that may be in the way."

What is Tourette's Syndrome?

Do you know that feeling when you are about to yawn and you do everything in your power to stop, but it eventually takes control and that blasted lion-like stretch and plain sexy sound comes out of your mouth? Or, when that itch sets in when you are in the middle of a presentation but can’t take your shoe off to scrub and stab that dang thing ‘til it ain’t no more? What about that torturous feeling you get when you’re on a road trip and have 6 miles before you can pull off and pee? Terrible right?

In a way, those who do not have Tourette’s Syndrome have faced some similar compulsions that folks with Tourette's have all the time. Much of what Tourette’s is, is facing a mental battle where vocal or motor tics (typically unavoidable) want to break free from whatever body part they inhabit, but your conscious realizes it shouldn’t or doesn’t want to give up its right to decide whether or not to perform the action. Your conscious mind says, “Blasted tic! Back off! I’m not doing it.” But, it usually surrenders the fight and gives in. The motor or vocal tic shouts or waves its hello as you realize you've failed yet again in holding back the urge or compulsion.

I’ve seen videos online of people yelling things that they can’t hold back and I have seen parodies or other memes making fun of those people. Let me tell you one thing: If you think that’s hilarious, then fine. I’m not going to lie, I laughed at some of them myself. But, when people take it a step further and treat those people like they are nuts or that they are “mental,” that’s where the line is completely and evidently drawn for me. It hurts to watch those poor kids or adults suffer through that. It’s deeply embarrassing and confidence-destroying.

I am a lucky one. I have motor tics and my battle is much less severe than those who face vocal tics. That’s just my opinion. I can get by without others noticing my motor tics, but it’s nearly impossible to hide the vocal cues that people have to blurt out and scream to subside that overtaking urge.

Picture facing the need to scratch your foot but not being able to, eventually succumbing, but maybe 100 or more times a day. Annoying, right? There is no avoiding it or fighting the force. That’s the best way I can relate a tic (motor or vocal) to how someone without Tourette’s might experience it.

Either you or someone you know if likely suffering or facing some sort of mental health struggles. Be aware in the workplace who might be struggling and be sensitive to their needs. If you are managing someone with any form of mental health illness, talk to them and see how you might help.

For me, yeah, so what? I'm a speaker, I teach, I facilitate, I consult, but like that phrase goes, "I have Tourette's, but Tourette's doesn't have me!"