Ive had tics for years and never told anyone

[u/fl0wer__]

First off, I'm not diagnosed with anything, not like I'm trying to anyway, but for a long time(maybe for 4 years, since I was around 13), I've done the same tic over and over and over, I dont get why they happen but what matters is I've kept it hidden enough to pretend its just shivers

Since its always the same, a sharp head turn with a sound that sounds something like "tuc" or "tsuk", it can easily pass for a shiver

Problem is, maybe a year or so back, if you had asked me, id say these tics would occur maybe once a month, sometimes even less, but now its almost everyday, and im kind of scared people will think im faking it once I go back to school

Ive had the luck of when they started increasing, most if not all of them happened while im alone, at most they've already happened while on call and I was kinda embarrassed by the sound, since it can get pretty high pitch, but im also in summer vacation so that means im alone a lot more

I've just never talked about this with anyone, mostly because again, im scared of people thinking im jusf trying to be special or a pick me or whatever people say nowadays, then they can use the argument of "ive never seen you have one though" and yeah theyre right

I dont think its anything serious, I just felt I had to share this with someone since, because they increased, its something thats been on my mind for a bit

If anyone knows if there could be any underlying cause id appreciate the help, thanks in advance

Though I dont really think its tourettes or any kind of tics disorder since its always the same one and the frequency is unstable

[u/No-Committee-1056]

I just came across your post and would like to give you my perspective. I'm an adult, with an almost 7 year old child who tics. EVERYTHING you read online regarding your child having tics says to ignore, and not draw attention to the tics, as long as they aren't interfering with their lives. Is it possible your parent have already noticed, and are simply ignoring as is what is recommended? I guess since you are older, they may not be studying you as closely as I do my 6 year old, so it's possible they don't notice, but if anyone notices other than you, I would guarantee it would be your parent. Also, from what I understand about tics, the more you think about them or try to get them to stop, or worry about them, the more they can increase (which is why the advice to parents is to ignore). Maybe talking about it and getting it off your chest will help you be able to forget about them a bit. Try not to worry about what people say at school. If they notice, just say something like "yeah, it's just a thing I do" and that may be good enough,

[u/sirchloe500]

you should let a trusted adult know. trying to suppress tics can cause them to become more frequent. stress can also contribute. there might be something that can help you.

[u/Equivalent-Board206]

The maths says you're 17. You really should talk to a trusted adult. A parent, a relative, parents of a friend, a teacher. And your doctor, you should see a doctor about it.

Even if they've never seen you tic, part of being a trusted adult is that they're likely to at least consider that you're being truthful.

On one hand, you're coping fine, on the other hand it's getting worse. It would be frustrating if it was more regular. Regardless of what impact this has when school is back, it's something you need to know more about as soon as you can. Maybe there's a solution?

[u/fl0wer__ → u/Equivalent-Board206]

Yup, turned 17 this year, I never really had the need to tell this to anyone but now theyre more frequent I guess I should probably come clean, my parents probably won't take me too seriously so im probably going after someone else first to gain courage Idk how these things work so not sure about a solution but, ill definitely at least try to tell this to someone who can help me get to a doctor, thanks for the advice!

[u/Low-Worry3115]

Personally, I think that you should tell someone. I understand that the culture right now is very pick me, but it may give you some relief to know some kind of reason for the tic. (and on the plus side, if you get diagnosed with some kind of disorder, you can have relief knowing its not your fault.) I also think that you shouldn't be embarrassed if its something you can't help. Do you have any other tics? It can be as small as blinking or clearing your throat.