Ways to support someone living with Essential Tremor

Essential Tremor (ET) is the most common movement disorder. While tremor is the visible symptom, ET affects far more than hand control. It can affect the person’s ability to perform daily tasks, their confidence, social life and emotional wellbeing. Support from family, friends and colleagues plays a vital role in helping someone live well with ET.

Supporting someone with ET is not about doing everything for them. It is about patience, respect and encouragement. Small, thoughtful actions, combined with understanding and awareness will help the person you care about maintain independence, dignity and connection.

What you can do:

Understanding ET is the first step. ET usually causes tremor during movement rather than at rest. Tremor may affect the hands, head, voice or legs or be internal and symptoms often change over time. Knowing this helps you respond with patience instead of judgement. It also prevents common misconceptions, such as thinking a tremor is a sign of nervousness or intoxication.

Tremor can make simple activities more difficult. Everyday tasks such as carrying drinks, eating in public, writing or using a computer may take longer and lead to frustration. You can make a difference by:

  • offering to carry food or drinks when out.
  • using cups with lids or straws at home.
  • encouraging speech-to-text technology instead of typing.
  • keeping utensils, pens and phones with larger grips available.

The important thing is to ask before jumping to conclusions. Respecting independence matters as much as being helpful.

Many people with ET avoid social events because of embarrassment. They may feel self-conscious when eating in public or fear being judged. You can help by continuing to include them, arranging outings that feel comfortable and not focusing on the tremor. Even small gestures, such as a phone call or a walk, reduce isolation and remind someone that they are valued.

ET is not just physical. It can bring anxiety, frustration and low self-esteem. Listen without dismissing concerns. If your family member or friend feels overwhelmed, encourage open conversation and, if appropriate professional support such as counselling. For younger family members, answer questions directly and reassure them that the tremor is not dangerous.

Lifestyle changes can make symptoms more straightforward to manage. Regular exercise, enough sleep, stress reduction and limiting caffeine or alcohol can all reduce tremor severity. Joining in with these healthy routines as a supporter makes them easier to maintain.

Public understanding of ET is limited. Friends, colleagues and even health professionals may confuse it with Parkinson’s. You can play a role in correcting myths. If someone makes a mistaken assumption, explain simply that ET is a neurological condition that causes tremor but is not linked to anxiety or alcohol. Advocacy helps reduce stigma and makes life easier for everyone living with ET.

Treatments for ET continue to develop. Medications help some people. In more severe cases, surgical treatments such as deep brain stimulation (DBS) or MRI-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) can reduce tremor. Being informed means you can support someone when they explore their options.

Learn more about supporting someone with Essential Tremor. There are many resources available to you as a carer:

Olivia Nassaris CEO, Essential Tremor Australia with Nichole aka "Shakey Nan" and an ET-branded cake in front of Parliament House, Canberra

Join the ET community in Australia

We founded Essential Tremor Australia to support the 300,000+ Australians living with ET.

ET is the most common movement disorder, yet it remains widely misunderstood.

We raise awareness to reduce the stigma of ET, advocate for the community, and provide support and information to live well with the condition.