Newly diagnosed with Tourettes? This ones for you. The Newbie TS Guide🩵
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So you got diagnosed with tourette syndrome. So what? You're probably asking yourself well what do i do now? Good question. The answer? Take a minute to let it sink in, cry, scream, curse the heavens or whatever it may be that you need to do and when you're ready and feeling better, come back.
Are you ready? Good. first of all and most important you NEED to accept this new reality because 💥news flash💥 your stuck with it for the rest of your life. Yea that sucks ik but thats why im here. to be your guide through it all. Hey there im jess and i was diagnosed with tourette’s when i was 23 and was terrified and confused among many other feelings throughout my first year of living with ts so im here to share with you my tips of getting through your first year and beyond. Although i may not know everything there is to know about ts as i still learn more each day, i know enough to help a newly diagnosed touretter (thats what we're called!). Here are my top ten tips to get you through your first year.
But first a little about the condition and what to know.
What is tourette syndrome?
Tourette syndrome is a neurological condition that effects the brain and can effect the whole body. Tourette syndrome causes involuntary movements and sayings which are called tics. (tics not ticks)
Tip #1:
Not everyone will accept this diagnosis. That includes family. I was fortunate enough to have a wonderful, loving family who accepted my diagnosis pretty much right away but i quickly found out that not everyone is as fortunate as i was and still am. If this is the case for you find someone you trust and can confide in. some examples include a therapist or specialist that specializes in ts, friends, teacher, school counselor, online or in person support groups you can find a list here: List Of TS Support Groups, or whoever you feel safe and comfortable confiding in. you are going to need some kind of support under your belt for at least your first year since there will be lots of ups and downs but i promise you it gets easier to live with.
Tip #2:
Get a lanyard or pin that identifies you have ts. This is especially helpful when your out in public. I have severe tourettes, and before i was put on medication to help control my tics i got looks left and right and still do sometimes but having my pin and lanyard on me has helped tremendously from preventing confrontation.