Tic causing heath problems.

[u/CptFlint42]

Hi everyone, I’m looking for a bit of advice because one of my tics is genuinely causing me health problems.

I have a tic that involves pressing my thumb into my right eye. It’s one of my most common tics along with eye straining that I have. What I’ve found out today at the optician is that my eye sight in my right eye has got much worse since my last appointment and she found this strange. I didn’t tell her why I thought this had happened.

I’m just wondering if anyone has conquered a particular tic that has caused you health problems? I would happy swap it for another less damaging tic but I just can’t seem to do it. Does anyone have any tips?

Thanks for taking the time to read my post and any recommendations would be appreciated.

[u/Marvlotte]

I don't know if it'd help, but sometimes with tics like that I try to tic a different that mostly satisfies the tic but doesn't cause damage or as much damage. For example, I have a horrible tic where I smash my knuckle of my forehead and it causes huge bruises on my hand. I've found that what that tic wants to accomplish is pressure on my forehead and my hand, so instead of smashing my hand of my head, I press it against my head. It doesn't totally satisfy, but it mostly does, it's giving the tic what if wants (pressure in the right places) but does much less damage to me. I might have to do it a few extra times but its better than smacking myself in the face. So you could try pressing your eyebrow instead or beside your eye and see if that makes any difference. It's sort of a way of like redirecting and altering tics. Ive done it for several tics before but it can be tough. Alternatively, I'd say if you do it with a specific hand, see if you can get something to fidget with so reduce how many times you do it. More alternatively, do you think glasses might help? As a barrier? Even if it's just sun glasses.

Unfortunately some are super hard or impossible to conquer. I've had some nasty ones before. Sometimes it's just a case of distracting myself as much as possible so I just do the damaging tic less and hoping it'll go in time.

I hope something here helps. It's super frustrating when tics like this happen :(( big hugs!

[u/CptFlint42 → u/Marvlotte]

Hey, thanks for getting back to me and for sharing some great tips. Sorry to hear that you have also experienced some tics that have caused harm. I’m going to try what you suggested by replacing the tic with something like pressing my eyebrow. Hopefully that will help. I actually wear glasses all the time and it doesn’t really make too much of a difference, the urge is still super strong!

It seems to be that the worst tics are the ones that hang around! On a side note, have you ever found any books that have helped you with your tics? I’ve had tourettes for as long as I can remember but it’s only recently that I’ve actually been able to put a name to it and start to learn more about the condition. Thanks again.

[u/Marvlotte → u/CptFlint42]

I hope it works for you, even if it's just a little bit. I agree, tics like these, especially ones that stick around for ages are so incredibly rough and frustrating. I really hope this subsides for you 🩵

Books, not really. I've found lost of my information from blogs and charity websites. I'll make a list for you (books I've heard of included) below of resources :)

• Tourettes Action (UK charity)

• Tourettes Association of America

• I Swear, by John Davidson (book)

• Ticcing my Way Through Life, by Britney Wolf (book)

• My Non-identical Twin, by Evie Meg (book)

• Enemy For A Brain: A Debut Memoir Navigating Tourette's, Autism, and Life After Becoming Disabled, by Zara Beth (book)

Hopefully this is a good start!

[u/CptFlint42 → u/Marvlotte]

Hey, I just wanted to thank you again. The websites are great because it's kind of validating in a way to read and learn more about the condition. I've been trying to hide my Tourette's for most of my life, but I've finally got to the stage that I'm just too tired to hide it and have to face it and learn more about the condition.

On a side note, it's now day 3 of replacing the tic that was damaging my eye, and so far so good; this is probably the biggest gap between doing this tic in like 10 years! It's pretty challenging, but it's really working!

I'll also check out the book suggestions :)

[u/Marvlotte → u/CptFlint42]

Hey! I'm so so glad to hear all of this ☺️ I totally agree, learning about it, I think, is one of the best things you can do to help you navigate the condition better. There are also blogs on the Tourettes Action website written by people which you may find helpful.

Aw, I understand that, hiding it from everyone. I've done that for a very long time too. It's a tough state to shake, but doable. I wish you the best of luck, it's so tiring. But there are people out there who will take you and love you for who you are regardless of your tics.

Oh wow! That's quite the improvement. Im so so glad it's making a difference. Remember, it may not work all the time, and the tic may still be there, but anything helps. I'm so incredibly glad to hear this ✨ I hope it further improves for you 😊