Other Essential tremor

[bellbird]

Hi,

I'm wondering if anyone else in the forum has a diagnosis of essential tremor? I'm feeling super nervous about writing this post, because generally I feel more comfortable talking about my PTSD than I do about my tremor. I don't really know how to explain why; even before PTSD, my tremor always made me feel worthless, be it because of how others responded and/or because of the harsh judgements I place on myself.

Even though I'm under I'm under an alias it still feels terrifying, I'm so used to "hiding" much of my life.

But I've never 'known' someone else with essential tremor, so I feel the potential benefits outweigh my nerves in this instance. And it would be really interesting to connect with someone who understands the interplay between tremor + PTSD symptoms.

 

[ladee]

I have it too... It drives me crazy some days and has advanced to my face.. which is causing me to be very self conscious.... sorry for both of us... it's worse the more stressed I am.

 

[EveHarrington]

One of my favorite actresses had essential tremor.

Katharine Hepburn!

She was acting well into her 80’s. You can see the tremor in her films. Have you seen On Golden Pond? If not, go watch it! Such a classic movie!

I sometimes look to others to see what they have overcome, and think if she can do this, so can I! Katharine didn’t let her tremor sideline her. She continued her acting career well after she was first diagnosed.

Of course this isn’t the same as knowing someone else with essential tremor one on one, but maybe she can give you a bit of inspiration? If she can be fabulous with a tremor, so can you!

 

[bellbird]

I have it too...

Oh @ladee , it's so frustrating isn't it? I get head tremors sometimes when I get very stressed. They particularly happen in times when I have to keep my head still, like the last time I went to the dentist. It was awful. I kept mentally trying to calm myself down, but the adrenaline kept building and I would have massive tremor spasms of my neck and head.
I'm sorry you're going through this too.. but thank you for sharing this, you don't know how much it means to me to have been able to connect with someone who knows what it's like.

If she can be fabulous with a tremor, so can you!

Thank you @EveHarrington . I knew Katherine Hepburn had the condition, but I actually have never seen her films and was unaware the tremor was even visible in them, so I will definitely have to watch one. I really appreciate your post too.

 

[Still Standing]

Great reminder, EveHarrington! Katherine did not let her tremors define her, she simply lived above them. It is much like PTSD. We are learning to live above it, too...although I guess I do let it define me, at the moment. My dad had tremors in his hands. The older he got the more severe. But, he was still able to tie fish hooks and cook (he was a chef). It always amazed how he could still do so many fine motor skills with shakey hands.

 

[Keen]

I don't have essential tremor, but my best friend does. As does her mom and one of her brothers. Its a family thing for them. They sometimes feel embarrassed when people ask "are you ok?" when their hand shakes as they lift a glass of water. I'm sorry its a stressful thing for you. Just know that our illnesses or disabilities do not define us, we define us by choosing to work toward being good and kind people in the world.