Once again...

[Hyzenthlay]

...my echolalia has pissed someone close to me off, and I feel lower than **** and want to run away and shut everything out.

I've spent half the day trying to hold it all together and crying inside. I hate myself.

 

[NakedWombat]

I am sure that that would be annoying for both yourself and other around you and yes, there are time when we all want to lock ourselves in a little dark room and stay there. After a while, everything will settle and if this person doesn't come down to earth, then don't worry about them. Those who truly emphasise are those we should rely on for emotional support.

 

[Retired]

Hyzenthlay

...my echolalia has pissed someone close to me off,

Would you share the nature of the relationship with the person who is close to you? Are we talking about a co-worker, a friend, family member, or a love interest?

Was it a repitition of what that person said, something heard on the TV or third party, or something you said?

What was theri reaction and response and are there any repercussions?

Here's my view: People with Tourette need to be communicators and advocates for awareness, especially advocates to create awareness about their (our) own Tourette.

That means, if a situation such as echolalia or any other vocal tic or motor tic intrudes in a relationship or situation, that person needs to be told "I'd like you to be aware that I have an involuntary neurological disorder called Tourette Syndrome". Sometimes I might involuntarily do such and such, and it's not intended to make you uncomfortable, it's just that I cannot control these movements (actions or words).

Carry with you a pamphlet from the TSFC or the TSA or the document I prepared here on the forum and let the person read it. (I can point you to these later, if you wish)

If that person is a true friend and has your interests at heart, they should be tolerant and understanding.

Looking forward to knowing about the circumstances of this incident.

Steve

 

[Hyzenthlay]

Hyzenthlay

Would you share the nature of the relationship with the person who is close to you? Are we talking about a co-worker, a friend, family member, or a love interest?

Was it a repitition of what that person said, something heard on the TV or third party, or something you said?

What was theri reaction and response and are there any repercussions?

The person involved is someone I know online. She's a close friend nonetheless. This particular round of echolalia involved her telling a joke that incorporated a word that I just couldn't help using over and over again, to the point where I made her uncomfortable. So she told me off.

It's not the first time I've had this happen, and it won't be the last. There's one happy side effect though...it usually shuts down the word or phrase that I've been using. It's almost a traumatic experience, really, because it means that my Tourettes has been caught out. Does this make sense?

Here's my view: People with Tourette need to be communicators and advocates for awareness, especially advocates to create awareness about their (our) own Tourette.

That means, if a situation such as echolalia or any other vocal tic or motor tic intrudes in a relationship or situation, that person needs to be told "I'd like you to be aware that I have an involuntary neurological disorder called Tourette Syndrome". Sometimes I might involuntarily do such and such, and it's not intended to make you uncomfortable, it's just that I cannot control these movements (actions or words).

Carry with you a pamphlet from the TSFC or the TSA or the document I prepared here on the forum and let the person read it. (I can point you to these later, if you wish)

In many cases, I can't do this. I don't have an above-board diag, remember? So I can't really go around at work telling people that I'm a Touretter, as it's likely to get me the boot, even after 24 years. I simply can't afford that.

If that person is a true friend and has your interests at heart, they should be tolerant and understanding.

Looking forward to knowing about the circumstances of this incident.

Steve

As it happens, she does know about my TS, and she wasn't at all pissed off at me. She just wanted me to stop, and was quite worried that I'd hidden away crying. It was still a nasty experience for me, though, as it always is. Some days, I really hate myself for what I am.