how does tourette’s syndrome affect everyday life? by aidan
- ntc admin
- Oct 1, 2023
- 2 min read
tourette's syndrome can affect many different aspects of an individual's everyday life, but the impact can vary widely from person to person depending on the severity of their symptoms. in social situations, for example, things can be challenging for individuals with Tourette's. people may notice their tics, which can lead to stares, questions, or even misunderstanding. some individuals may feel self-conscious or anxious about their tics in social settings, which can affect their ability to engage with others and their view of themselves.
in a school or academic setting, it’s similar: tics can be distracting for both the person with tourette's and their peers. this can impact concentration and academic performance. in the workplace, the same problems apply. another element is added, which is that tics can be a concern for some individuals, especially if they have vocal tics or tics that are disruptive.
in most cases, tics can be physically tiring and cause discomfort. experiencing frequent motor tics, such as cracking/snapping fingers or touching others/objects can lead to muscle fatigue and headaches. vocal tics, like throat clearing, coughing, or repetition of a certain sound/word.phrase can strain the vocal cords. but it’s not just physical challenges: as aforementioned, the challenges of living with tourette's, including potential embarrassment, frustration, and anxiety, can impact emotional well-being and self-esteem.
it's important to note that not everyone with tourette's will experience the same thing to the same extent in their daily life. many amazing tourette's warriors learn to manage their tics and find strategies to deal with their challenges. support from family, friends, healthcare professionals, and organizations specializing in tourette's can be great tools in helping those warriors even further, leading them to enjoy the fulfilling lives they deserve, despite the challenges from this condition!
thank you to these sources for providing information used in this article: