Where Is My Personal FCC When I Need Them?

by Gary
(Michigan)

So I am 16, and I have a form of Tourette's, many vocal tics that I sometimes cannot control.

I would have to say I'm a pretty smart kid, and I know what is acceptable and what isn't, but I can never seem to filter what I say when I am off of my meds. It's almost like that invention of lying movie where everyone is just brutally honest.

I never, ever set out to hurt someone with my words, but whatever pops into my brain first comes out.

Why does this happen?

Response from Dr. DeFoore

Hello Gary, and thanks for telling your story here. I don't think anyone can tell you exactly why this happens for you, or for anyone with Tourette's type symptoms. However, I firmly believe that you can learn to manage your symptoms.

Here is what I recommend:

1) Deliberately "practice" your vocal tics in private. Work hard at mastering them, so that you can consciously reproduce all of your tics at will. This brings them from the unconscious level into consciousness, where you will have more voluntary control.

2) Use this journaling process to give a full, safe expression to any anger you may have. This release could help you to better control your words when you're with others.

3) Finally, use this two part imagery process, to mentally rehearse the kind of social behavior you want to exhibit. This is a very effective way of creating behavior change, and if you use these tools regularly, I think you will get good results.

You're a good person, Gary. That good person will emerge naturally and easily from within you, as you practice these skills and learn to master them.

You can get past this, and have the types of relationships you choose.

Believe in yourself.

My very best to you,

Dr. DeFoore

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