"Some Struggles Are Invisible—My Tic Disorder Isn’t." - Ep (6)

Welcome to Episode 6 of the WWWY Podcast: "Some Struggles Can Be Hidden—But My Tic Disorder Isn’t One of Them"

In this episode, Daniela, co-founder of Antioxi, shares her deeply personal experience living with a nervous tic disorder. For years, Daniela has been on a journey of self-acceptance, confronting the challenges of having a condition that’s impossible to hide. Today, for the first time, she’s opening up about her tic disorder and how it has shaped her perspective on vulnerability, resilience, and connection.

Show Notes:

Daniela’s story might surprise some, as she’s known for her calm confidence and her impactful work in wellness. But beneath the surface lies a struggle she never chose to share—her tic disorder. Unlike struggles that can be hidden, Daniela’s tic is a constant reminder to her and to others of her challenges. She shares how she has faced this battle daily, coming to terms with what she can and can’t control.

From childhood, Daniela’s tics would come and go, making her acutely aware of others’ perceptions. As she grew older, the nervous tics became more pronounced, presenting her with the dilemma of whether to hide or embrace them. Each visible tic was a reminder of her vulnerability, something she couldn't tuck away.

Key Takeaways:

• The Power of Visibility

  Daniela’s story reveals the complexities of living with a visible condition. Unlike challenges that can be hidden, her tic disorder presents an uninvited openness that has transformed how she approaches both life and her work.
  
  

• Redefining Resilience
  

  Accepting her tic disorder meant redefining resilience. Daniela shares how learning to live with a condition she couldn’t control taught her to find strength in vulnerability and pushed her to advocate for herself and others.
  
  

• Connecting through Imperfection
  

  What started as a source of shame turned into a bridge for connection. Daniela’s openness about her struggle has allowed her to connect with others facing visible or unhideable challenges, helping her realize she’s not alone in her journey.
  
  

• Letting Go of Control
  

  One of the hardest lessons was letting go of the need to control how others perceive her. Daniela explains how embracing her tic disorder allowed her to focus on what she can control—her mindset, her approach to wellness, and her mission to support others.

Discussion Highlights:

• Daniela’s Turning Point
  “For so long, I felt I had to mask my tics or hide from others’ judgments. It took years to realize that my worth isn’t defined by others’ perceptions.”
  
  
• Reflections on Vulnerability
  Daniela shares how her tic disorder, a struggle that she can’t keep hidden, reshaped her understanding of vulnerability. Instead of viewing it as a weakness, she’s learned to see it as a unique strength that makes her more relatable and empathetic.
  
  
• Embracing Her Journey
  Today, Daniela is on a journey of acceptance, allowing her tic disorder to be a visible part of who she is. By openly sharing her story, she hopes to encourage others with unhideable challenges to embrace their own paths with compassion.
  
  

Key Themes: Visibility, resilience, vulnerability, mental health, self-worth, Daniela’s story, Episode 6