Today is the first day of Women's history month, but it's also the first day of something that is not as know.

Essential Tremor Awareness.

There are 200,000 cases per year in the United States, but I think most are undereducated on this nerve disorder. The name pretty much gives it away. It is a nervous system disorder that causes rhythmic shaking. Essential Tremor most often affects the hands, though it may also affect the head, voice, arms, or legs. It is not related to Parkinson's disease. Shaking occurs with simple tasks such as tying shoelaces, writing, or shaving. It can worsen by stress, fatigue, and caffeine(along with many other things).

From birth, to the age of 18, ET is rare, but becomes more common from 19-60, especially 60+. It's not odd to see an older person shaking like a leaf, but it is an 8 year old.

For as long as I can remember I've always struggled with this disorder. I dont know if I've had it since birth or it just developed as I got older, but as a young girl and even now (22), it's hard. Mentally it takes a toll on you because you can't control it and every day tasks become a hassle. My mother's mother had ET and she passed it on to her and she passed on to both my sister and I. Overtime it's something you accept because it's apart of yourself you can't change, but that doesn't make it any less of a struggle. For some it gets better as you age (my mom's and sister's are at least), mine has gotten worse with age, but I can only hope for the best.

Questions are encouraged. I would love to share my experiences and what knowledge I have on this disorder 😊