Planet Tic: Students - Diary of a teen with TS

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Diary of a teen with TS

Hi! I'm Max, a 13-year-old boy with TS. I live in Virginia with my Mom, Dad, and two cats, Lena and Potato. I was diagnosed with TS when I was 5 years old. At first, it was scary to be having all of these unusual movements that nobody else had. When I was younger, I was self-conscious about my TS. I was uncomfortable to have tics if there was anyone who could see me. As I got older though, I became less self-conscious because I knew more about what TS was. I learned that there is nothing to be ashamed of and that you can lead a perfectly normal life even if you have TS. Even when things look and feel the worst, there is always hope. An average day for me is similar to any other teen my age. I wake up (early), eat my breakfast, and, then, I go to school. Having TS does not affect my academic performance. I do well in school, I am in Gifted and Talented classes, and I am taking two classes that count as high school credits. I also like to play hockey and video games, listen to music, and go paintballing. I live a full life, and I do not let my TS stop me from doing so.

Some strategies that I use to help with TS are: • Much of the time I have many different things on my mind. I found that if I write these things down on paper, it makes it easier. About a month ago I started using a Palm Pilot to eliminate all the scraps of paper that pile up. I carry it with me everywhere, and it’s really great! • I always try to remember that I’m in charge, not my tics. Even when my tics are bad, I know they’ll get better. Keeping a positive and determined attitude helps a lot. • I find it helpful a lot of the time to not talk about my tics because it makes them either come back or get worse. I even have asked my parents not to mention them unless it’s absolutely necessary. • I remind myself that “everybody has something” and that plenty of people have challenges that are much greater than mine. I look at people who have overcome these challenges, and I use them as role models. If they can do it, so can I. • I do “brain-training” exercises. When I was very young, I taught myself to take a cold shower or put an ice cube under my shirt without feeling cold. Even if my body makes an involuntary movement, I have the choice of paying attention or ignoring it. I’ve learned biofeedback, and my Dad is teaching me self-hypnosis to make my brain stronger.

In closing, I think that it’s not only possible to live a normal life with TS, but it can even be used to your advantage. Tourette Syndrome can be annoying and uncomfortable, but dealing with it can also make you a stronger and more compassionate person. Don’t give up and don’t give in. Always remember: Tough times don’t last, but tough people do!

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