Nervous tics?

LegacyUser

Hi,

I exhibit nervous tics (atleast thats what I think they are) whenever I remember something embarassing. These embarassing moments can be anything from an embarassing situation many years ago that i've just remembered to something stupid I might have done when I was out drinking the night before. I could be at work or at home and if this event drops into my head (sometimes completely out of the blue) I automatically say something. What I say can be along the lines of cursing or a sentence related to what i've just remembered or possible a quick breath through my nose. I have no control over it, it happens too fast for me to intervene and bite my lips. I don't think it's that noticable, in that it's more apparent I believe when i'm on my own; but if someone was watching me in public they'd probably notice it too. Obviously it's not normal but does anyone else have this issue and know what it is? It sounds similar to tourettes I suppose but it involves more than just cursing and it seems to only happen when I remember something embarassing that I have done.

thanks for your help in advance.

Victor

I'm not sure if tic is the right word. Sometimes I remember stuff from years ago - a recent one was a bathroom accident when I was 6 - thats 30 years ago:) and it briefly depresses me and I drop my head to one side and if I'm walking, I tend to stop and its difficult to get going again. Or maybe its the girl I didn't ask out or someone said a witty put-down and I didn't have a retort - you ge the idea. It does tend to be silent thought as opposed to your more explicit reaction. Of course, we all have our own Homeresque "D'oh" moments, but they tend to be silent.

I think, if it affecting your day-to-day life that you should talk to your doctor - he might be able to recommend something. It might also be useful for you to talk to someone (pick a quiet moment with friends or family - if you can prompt the discussion with something, e.g. an embarrassing or funny moment on TV it might help to break the ice) about such embarrassing moments and by saying it out loud, we slightly change the dynamic - instead of the thought owning us, we own the thought.

Another thing might be to wear a rubber band on your wrist and any time this happens, snap the rubber band. Its a bit like Pavlov's Dog instead of the bell and food, you brain starts to associate these things with mild pain and so it avoids thinking of them.

LegacyUser

Hi, I think that's kind of like my situation, except its not when I'm embarrassed. I suffer with OCD whereby I have to shake my head, arm or leg to feel a release. if it is something which you feel you have to do maybe try cognitive behavior therapy.

upmeath

I did this a bit when I was younger, whenever I thought of something cringeworthy or even slightly regretful. I hadn't done it for years until I was out walking the dog about a fortnight ago and I made a waving gesture with my arm and said something out loud as I was walking along. I realised immediately that I was walking through a car park and anyone sitting in their car looking out at a man walking a dog and waving his arms around talking to himself should probably be seen to. I can't even remember what set it off, but I've since regarded it as a one-off and it's unlikely to become a recurring problem again. I tend to forget about things that would have previously been stuck on repeat in my head. As a child I tended to think a lot about my actions around people and things I said that sounded silly in retrospect, and I would cringe at the thought of what I'd said.

If it's a recurring problem for you and you reckon people might notice I'd suggest you see a doctor

LegacyUser

Hey guys, thanks for the replies. Atleast i'm not the only one sharing these symtoms. However i'd imagine mine are more pronounced.

LegacyUser

I was going out with a girl whose brother had something like what you describe except his was more pronounced...

I hadn't known about it before meeting him. To be honest, it was a bit odd the first time but then it was just normal - I just got used to it and it didn't seem that odd at all.