I'm odd enought already thank you very much!

May 31, 2006 12:53 PM

Help!I think I'm "catching" a nervous tic. How can I stop this before it gets out of hand?

Background:
I work in an open office with 6 others, not cramped but not overly spacious either. The co-worker who sits infront of me has a tic where he shakes his head back and forth from side to side, in a look right, look left motion. Its not constant, but still at least a few times a day. I noticed it immediately, and kind of smirked to myself, but otherwise it didn't bother me. I've been here about a month, and today I did it!

I know that its not contagous in the classic sense, so how can I avoid doing this regularly, since obviously the power of suggestion has started to take hold.

posted by clubfoote to Human Relations (8 answers total)

I've read that an effective way to combat compulsive/habitual behaviors is to put a rubber-band around your wrist and snap yourself painfully whenever you catch yourself exhibiting undesired ticks.
posted by BigLankyBastard at 12:56 PM on May 31, 2006

Interestingly, I'm reading a book right now that says that the snap-the-rubber-band thing doesn't work, precisely because its purpose is to make you more vigilant for undesirable behavior (such as a tic) or thoughts (such as worrying), which actually increases the likelihood that you'll do them.
posted by scody at 1:16 PM on May 31, 2006

I used a rubber band to get rid of a habit (popping my jaw constantly), and I never started again.
posted by unknowncommand at 1:24 PM on May 31, 2006

Of course, it could be some weird correlation.
posted by unknowncommand at 1:27 PM on May 31, 2006

scody, what book?
posted by OmieWise at 1:38 PM on May 31, 2006

Probably OK to use a rubber band to manage a relatively benign behavior (a minor compulsion) but Scody is absolutely right that rubber bands (or other aversive interventions) should never be used to manage intrusive or problematic thoughts. The punishment only increases vigilance and reinforces the notion of escaping the thought when thoughts (rather than behavior) are best reduced in frequency through exposure, acceptance and using paradoxical strategies.
I have no specific suggestions for this as it certainly does not represent a habit of such duration or intensity that it is interfering with your professional or personal performance. I guess I would work at making a conscious decision to not mimic the bahavior and if you find it increasing in frequency or being problematic come on back
posted by rmhsinc at 1:48 PM on May 31, 2006

omiewise: The Worry Cure.
posted by scody at 2:43 PM on May 31, 2006

Not to derail, but Iwouldn't be sure the co-worker does it as a nervous tic--it sounds like a way to stretch the neck muscles slightly to keep them from getting stiff after a full day of desk-work, unless he's jerking his head back and forth. I move in a similar way when spending hours at paperwork or at my computer.

I would find it catching as well--I have a lot of muscle stiffness, and seeing someone else stretching makes me more aware of the tight spots.
posted by Cricket at 1:09 AM on June 1, 2006