From a shy child who shied away from the spotlight, Kelsey Christensen went on to become a renowned television journalist. Her on-camera reporting for KSTP 5 Eyewitness News may be familiar to Twin Cities residents, but she may also be known to others after disclosing her diagnosis with Tourette syndrome (TS) in 2022.
A person with TS will experience uncontrollable, abrupt, and repetitive motions or sounds, sometimes known as “tics.” The symptoms of tic disorders are varied. Kelsey’s tics include sporadic wrist and neck flexes, clearing her throat, sniffing, and fast blinking. Those who are unfamiliar with tics may find them weird, which is why Kelsey began sharing her experience after receiving an official diagnosis at the age of 28. She discussed the illness with NIH MedlinePlus Magazine in order to increase knowledge and awareness of it. She wants those who have TS to realize that it doesn’t have to stop them from experiencing life to the fullest.
When did you realize that you were having tics?
Sitting on the bus with a friend, I was in first or second grade. I used to be a little shy. Turning around, two children questioned, “What’s wrong with you? Why do you blink so frequently? What is happening?
“I am,” I said. They responded, “Yeah, it looks really strange.” What’s your thing, what’s your problem?” Then I knew I was blinking a lot more than typical. I asked my relatives about it, and they answered, “Yeah, you do that a lot. We just didn’t really say anything.” Except then it prompted my relatives to inquire, “Why are you blinking like that?”
The other thing I do is sniff, like forcing air out of my nose. When I was younger, my mom would hear it and inquire, “Are you sick? Are you feeling alright?”
What was the feeling behind that?
At the time, I was horribly embarrassed since I was so timid I didn’t want attention brought to me, especially if it was unfavorable. So my feelings were obviously wounded when other youngsters questioned my tics. Even now, I can still clearly recall it. People are not always kind. I simply thought, “Try not to blink as much.” But with Tourette’s, we obviously know that’s not feasible.
How long did it take you to discuss your tics with someone after that?
My mother assumed it was stress-related since I had a lot going on with my family when I was younger, and she was not wrong. When I was six or seven years old, my mother enrolled me in karate as a way for me to “fight it out” and build confidence at a difficult period in my life. However, the karate instructors stated, “I don’t believe this to be anxiety or stress.” Introducing Tourette.
I used to have much severe tics as a child. When you focus as an adult, there’s a limit to what you can control. Though it’s difficult, you can succeed.
Mom and the teachers had a conversation. They determined that, at the moment, I would be better off without medication. I was also feeling quite positive. Mommy is a wonderful mother. Given the limited awareness of Tourette’s syndrome at the time and its lack of widespread recognition, she did the best she could.As she dealt with TS, Kelsey says her mother Sally—seen here with her at the U.S. Open Fan Week—was always there to support her.
It took two years for a formal diagnosis to be made for you. How did you previously explain your tics to others?
My vocabulary and comprehension of what I was doing were lacking. I didn’t know why I was doing it, but I assumed it was probably some sort of tic disease. In restaurants, I’ve had people approach me and ask, “Excuse me, why are you blinking like that?” “Why are you asking me that?” is what I would reply. I usually go that route when strangers inquire about it. Friends would rarely inquire about it since, as they would say, “That’s just Kelsey,” it was simply something I did. Often, my ticcing was simply ignored.
It didn’t surprise me when my Tourette’s was formally diagnosed because I assumed that’s probably what it was. The instructors of karate were right! But receiving the official diagnosis cleared my head and gave me a lot of confidence because, at last, I had an explanation I could share with others and, most importantly, with myself.
I used to worry a lot before I was diagnosed about if my coworkers thought I was nervous because I was blinking so often or clearing my throat so much. However, I can now affirm, “No, I’m not anxious. This is what occurs to me when I have Tourette’s syndrome. The diagnosis is convincing and reassuring.
Ever tried to control your tics or stay away from circumstances that would provoke them?
My tics were over the ceiling, and I don’t think I tried to dodge anything or make it better, but it was clear that stress and sleep deprivation were the main causes. Some evenings, while we were having dinner, my mother would remark, “I think you’re really tired today.” That indicated to me that I was ticcing a lot. I would thus strive to get more sleep.
As long as your inquiries are well-intentioned and motivated by a desire to learn, you can ask them. This is not a taboo topic; it should be discussed.”
If you knew your tics would be seen on camera, why did you choose to work in TV news?
I get asked that a lot. When it comes to TV, your presentation is always the most important thing. However, I was determined to follow my passions regardless of any obstacles. I’m happy that I didn’t allow anxiety to stand in the way of my amazing job.
My Tourette’s seems to be milder, so if I’m really focused, I think I can “turn it off” for a little while. when doing a live report, for instance. I have films of myself that are recorded before the camera red light comes on (when you’re live on-air), and I’m simply sitting there thinking and blinking fast. And then I stop blinking uncontrollably as soon as the red light turns on. But I have to “get my tics out” as soon as the live shot ends.
Breaking news can challenge my disorder due to stress, but it’s something I’ve learned to manage.
What occurred when you told your employer about your diagnosis?
I was hesitant to inform my news director I have Tourette’s because I worried he was going to think, “Can I trust you on live TV?” But he was really great about it. He stated he trusts me as a journalist, and this diagnosis didn’t change that. It made me feel even more confident in the work I do and the people backing me.
During the pandemic, because I have the sniffing tic, I could tell some coworkers were questioning whether I was sick. Their body language told me they were concerned that I would contract COVID-19. I would just tell them, “Hey, this is just something I do. Don’t be worried.”
In today’s society, people are much more understanding of disorders and challenges people suffer with. We all have something we’re struggling with, and that’s what gives us understanding and compassion towards each other. It’s a beautiful thing to see play out. When reporting in the field, Kelsey may manage her tics with concentration and stress management skills.
Do you take medicine or other therapies for your condition?
I have medicine now—clonidine—that I can take as needed as an adult with a formal diagnosis. I don’t take it often since it reduces your blood pressure, and I have low blood pressure as it is. But I’ll take it once in a while, usually right before bed if it’s a difficult day. I become incredibly tired when I take it. When I wake up in the morning, I’ll find my eyes don’t feel as fatigued and my sniffing is less frequent.
Did you know anyone else with TS before your diagnosis?
I didn’t know anything about Tourette’s at all other what you see on TV with coprolalia (a speech tic of saying filthy or foul words). It was always the butt of the joke.
A student once announced, “Hey, I have Tourette’s, so just a heads up if I say anything out of the blue,” in front of the class in a large lecture hall that held about 200 people. During class, she would yell things or make noises. When she spoke something about school, her classmates and even herself would chuckle for a moment, typically because she was criticizing the teacher. It was obvious she had a severe case. I distinctly recall being amazed by her self-assurance in sharing her diagnosis in such an unvarnished manner.
I ended up receiving a formal diagnosis from a neurologist thanks to an article provided to me by CBS Mornings reporter David Begnaud, thanks to my mom. He disclosed on live that he suffers from Tourette’s syndrome and described his tics as well as the experience of having the illness.
It struck me as really daring. He was expressing something that I could relate to as well—hey, I do that too! He cleared the way for me to be able to completely explore the reasons for my ticcing without worrying about the response. This person is a lead reporter at a network station, and I didn’t realize that anyone else in TV had Tourette’s syndrome. “If he can do it, I can do it,” I reasoned. I made the decision to schedule a visit with a neurologist right away.
And now here we are. “Hey, I have it too, and it doesn’t stop me from doing what I want to do,” is what I’m saying to others.
Interesting fact: Kelsey holds a paramedic certification. At the age of 19, she started working as a medic part-time while pursuing a journalism career.
Have you encountered other people who have TS since revealing your condition to the public?
Many people who have Tourette’s syndrome or whose child has the condition have contacted me online, and they are always very grateful that others are raising awareness. Some folks also want to know how I experienced it as a child or how they should approach their child about it. People also saying, “Many thanks.” I gained knowledge about this illness and how to be open-minded. I also met a Minnesota police officer who had Tourette’s syndrome. Being able to talk about the difficulties with people who completely get what you’re going through is pleasant. It’s been an incredible journey.
It was startling to me to learn that over 3 million Americans, or around 1% of the population, suffer from Tourette’s syndrome, as this suggests a wide range of symptoms. Everybody’s interpretation of it is unique.
What message do you want your story to convey to readers?
Be mindful that someone may have Tourette’s syndrome if you witness them moving in unusual ways or doing things you don’t understand. Don’t presume that a substance use disorder or anxiousness is to blame. Furthermore, it is uncomfortable to be the target of others’ looks or stares. Make sure you’re treating others the way you would like to be treated—that is, with compassion.
As long as your inquiries are well-intentioned and motivated by a desire to learn, you can ask them. This is not a taboo subject; it is important to discuss.
I would advise anyone who is dealing with difficulties brought on by a disorder to never let it stop them from trying. Because although there are many problems in the world, there is also a great deal of grace and understanding. There are solutions available to address Tourette syndrome, regardless of where you are on the spectrum.