3 ms·

Someone described something similar as "like sneezing". You know when a sneeze is coming on, and you can delay it, but it's hard or impossible to actually stop

Someone described something similar as "like sneezing". You know when a sneeze is coming on, and you can delay it, but it's hard or impossible to actually stop the sneeze. Is that a good analogy?

juice_bus 10y ago
I like to use that analogy but replace sneeze with "itch" - the more you think about it, the more you need to scratch it. (In this case "thinking about the itch" is "thinking about not ticing")
- saghm 10y ago
  I've used this analogy as well to describe my tics to people, which I think has been fairly effective in communicating how it feels (at least, to people who are open-minded enough to learn about it)
  - Practicality 10y ago
    OH man, the itch is a really good analogy. I suddenly understand what is going on with Tourette's now. I mean, even discussing this topic I felt the need to scratch. Prior to reading that analogy I just could not wrap my head around the "something they don't want to do but not actually involuntary." The desire to scratch an itch explains it perfectly.
readymade 10y ago
The sneeze analogy is a good one. Or an itch that you're trying not to scratch.
WhoBeI 10y ago
Regarding sneezing: next time you feel your nose itching squeeze the top portion of your right ring finger real hard. I have no clue why it works but in most cases (say 90%) it works for me. Then again I sneeze when ever I look up at a clear blue sky so it might just be my wiring. :)
- brownbat 10y ago
  You (and I) probably have the photic sneeze reflex. Maybe a third of people have it. Its cause is not perfectly understood, but maybe relates to sensory information from the nose and the eyes traveling along some of the same nerves. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photic_sneeze_reflex https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photic_sneeze_reflex
- user837387 10y ago
  Just cover your nostrils with the side of your pointing finger. That usually stops the sneeze. My theory is that it stops the flow into your inner nose of whatever is causing you to sneeze; most likely some type of micro particles.
  - refurb 10y ago
    Breathing out through my nose works for me. Seems to quiet the sneezing "itch". Breathing in through my nose intensifies it.
- raarts 10y ago
  I once had a secretary who - whenever she saw I was about to sneeze - yelled: "I bet you can't do it, bet you can't do it", in a childish, daring voice. Totally worked every time.
- grimoald 10y ago
  Funny, I heard remedies for incoming sneezes from several people and it's a different method every time, I'm not exaggerating. Pressing up the tip of your nose, press against the forehead, press your tongue against the palate etc. The latter works best for me, BTW. I better not try to find a theory what's the real cause.

Someone described something similar as "like sneezing". You know when a sneeze is coming on, and you can delay it, but it's hard or impossible to actually stop the sneeze. Is that a good analogy?

juice_bus 10y ago

I like to use that analogy but replace sneeze with "itch" - the more you think about it, the more you need to scratch it. (In this case "thinking about the itch" is "thinking about not ticing")

saghm 10y ago
I've used this analogy as well to describe my tics to people, which I think has been fairly effective in communicating how it feels (at least, to people who are open-minded enough to learn about it)
- Practicality 10y ago
  OH man, the itch is a really good analogy. I suddenly understand what is going on with Tourette's now. I mean, even discussing this topic I felt the need to scratch. Prior to reading that analogy I just could not wrap my head around the "something they don't want to do but not actually involuntary." The desire to scratch an itch explains it perfectly.

readymade 10y ago

The sneeze analogy is a good one. Or an itch that you're trying not to scratch.

WhoBeI 10y ago

Regarding sneezing: next time you feel your nose itching squeeze the top portion of your right ring finger real hard. I have no clue why it works but in most cases (say 90%) it works for me. Then again I sneeze when ever I look up at a clear blue sky so it might just be my wiring. :)

brownbat 10y ago
You (and I) probably have the photic sneeze reflex. Maybe a third of people have it. Its cause is not perfectly understood, but maybe relates to sensory information from the nose and the eyes traveling along some of the same nerves. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photic_sneeze_reflex https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photic_sneeze_reflex
user837387 10y ago
Just cover your nostrils with the side of your pointing finger. That usually stops the sneeze. My theory is that it stops the flow into your inner nose of whatever is causing you to sneeze; most likely some type of micro particles.
- refurb 10y ago
  Breathing out through my nose works for me. Seems to quiet the sneezing "itch". Breathing in through my nose intensifies it.
raarts 10y ago
I once had a secretary who - whenever she saw I was about to sneeze - yelled: "I bet you can't do it, bet you can't do it", in a childish, daring voice. Totally worked every time.
grimoald 10y ago
Funny, I heard remedies for incoming sneezes from several people and it's a different method every time, I'm not exaggerating. Pressing up the tip of your nose, press against the forehead, press your tongue against the palate etc. The latter works best for me, BTW. I better not try to find a theory what's the real cause.