Do my tics sound anything like yours?

Hey guys.

First post, sorry if I'm doing something wrong.

I have been experiencing some level of uncontrollable movements lately, and I was curious to know if what I've been going through lines up with what some of y'all go through.

For about two years, I have been experiencing forms of uncontrollable "tics". I put them in quotations because I know no better word for them, but they might not be at all. Two years ago (about) I started constantly burping. I could not stop it, and it would happen at inopportune times like when I went to see a play. I think there have been times that it's almost completely vanished, but always there somewhere in the background in some regard.

Over the last couple months, I've been noticing other "tics" that I do. However, these change rapidly, every week or two one seems to disappear and only occasionally resurface. They also are not constant, I can go for long periods of times without any urge or whatever, or even a couple days. Things have been varied from clicking my tongue, to clenching/grimacing my face. One that is common is a general clenching of muscles, especially in my hands (which seems to be more repetitive). Also clenching my jaw. When I feel anxious or upset, these increase IMMENSELY to the point I can't stop. Also over the past week or two, I've sporadically held my breath for a few seconds and then let it go (it almost feels like I'm choking myself)

Part of me wonders if these things have happened for a long time in my life and I just never realized it/wrote it off.

Here's where I get confused. I'm not sure what's to blame. Part of me thinks that, because I was interested in tourettes before anything like this started happening (I get kinda geeky about psychology topics, they interest me immensely) I just sort of brought these tics upon myself and that I am doing them to myself. Another part of me wonders if it's linked to existing anxiety problems I've been experiencing for the past year and a half or so. I'm not sure if it's even vaguely tourettes like, considering the "tics" don't happen constantly or all that often, unless I am stressed or upset. I also feel like I could make them not happen, but do it anyways.

I don't know. Is it all in my head, do you think? I don't know if these "symptoms" line up with what people who are officially diagnosed experience.

I'm starting therapy for my anxiety soon, and I hope to talk to him/her about it to see if they have an official medical opinion, but in the meantime, I thought I'd ask the internet.

Thank you so much for reading.

Hi, breathsobitter! Well, you probably didn't give yourself those ticks by thinking about them, that must be the anxiety talking.
This place is nice, stick around and join in conversations, have fun! Let me know if you need anything and keep us posted on what your therapist will tell you, please.

Personally speaking, my tics didn't really manifest themselves full-on until I was 38. What would happen is things like stuttering when I was 16 or grunting and growling when I was agitated throughout my teens and adult life. Very sporadic and not long in duration. In other words, as my neurologist says, it waxes and wains, comes and goes, sometimes with weeks, months, or even years between episodes. It's the nature of the beast.

I honestly don't think you've injected into your mind a "need" to tic. In other words, it's either actual Tourette's or Tourettism, not something you've "wished" upon yourself. That being said, make sure you get diagnosed, yay or nay.

Let us know the results.

Hey guys, thanks for the responses.

Okay, so it's probably not something my mind made happen. That's good to hear. I know, obviously, you guys are not medical professionals but the idea sounded crazy to myself and if it sounds crazy to other people...well....makes the crazy legitimate. If that even makes sense...
Long story short: I was pretty sure that it wasn't me deciding to do it and it was my brain/body chemistry/whatever deciding to do it.

I FINALLY found a psychologist for my anxiety and should have an appointment soon. I'm definitely going to talk to her about the tics that I've been experiencing lately, hopefully she'll have something to say about it. Hoping to get a good reason behind why they're happening. I am of the sort that I don't care if something happens to me, I just like to know why. I hate wondering.

I'm glad you found a psychologist to talk to Tell her it's important to you to know why they're happening.

I definitely will. I don't know when I'll bring it up to her (considering I'm going to her for my anxiety issues, not the tics) but I will as soon as possible for sure. I hope she has a good answer.

Hey, you could print your post/posts and show her, maybe it'll be easier that way.

I dont think you brought the tics upon yourself . For as myslef, If i think or read of tics i will normaly try it once i guess to see what it feels like( I wont do anything to hurt myself tho) but after that one time I just forget about it, Its not like its automaticlly sticks to my brian.
And to address the hand tic, Thats the worst one I have, I move my fingers in a circular motion about 4 times in a minute. I hate it, but iv gotten used to it.
Sorry for my grammer and spelling it sucks with out spell check.