Feb 05 2024 13 mins 1
In this episode, I share my personal struggle with essential tremors, a neurological condition that causes uncontrollable shaking. I express how this condition impacts my daily life, even to the extent of not being able to crack an egg without shaking or risking its destruction. I've worked hard researching about this disorder, and I've uncovered some shocking truths along the way.
I also delve into how my tremors can escalate during stressful situations, such as delivering hard news or demanding tasks which you'd think I should comfortably handle, given my extensive experience in the roles. Not knowing what was happening, I found myself resorting to leaving voicemails instead of facing people, even if it meant shirking my responsibilities.
Drawing from several scenarios in my life, from managing a Subway sandwich to excelling in a restaurant consulting, I expose the constant experiences of shaking and helplessness that overwhelm me even during simple tasks. Anxiety became a part of my life, disrupting my work, my engagements, and my overall quality of life.
On a powerful note, I recount my experience during a Congressional debate where crippling bouts of shaking and inability to speak invaded my reality, staring at a camera with no idea of what was happening. The bewilderment that ensued was staggering, not because of humiliation but due to the completely unexplainable state I found myself in constantly.
Breaking free from skepticism myself and others could have about the realness of anxiety and other similar conditions, I finally sought medical help. Through trial and error, I found a medication that brought relief, and the inexplicable shaking episodes that cost me sleep for days on end have since seized.
While I'm still working on managing my condition and the persistent shaking, I'm grateful for the progress made so far. My sincere hope is that no one has to go through such an ordeal alone or wait too long, like I did, to get some help. Reach out and let's fight this together.
