I've had essential tremors since I was 4. It started in my right hand and by age 6 it was in both hands. I'm 45 now. It hasn't always been easy but I've coped with it pretty well through years. As you age it tends to get worse. I've tried various drugs over the years to no avail. I been fortunate enough to see some the top neurologists in the country at Havard, Wake Forest, and University of Florida. I've learned a lot over years about ET. I finally made the decision to have Deep Brain Stimulation surgery to correct the problem. The completion of surgery was last Friday. I have a stimulator in my chest attached to wire that's embedded in the my left brain. For the first time in 41 years my right hand doesn't shake. I'm able pick up a cup filled to the brim without spilling. I'm able have soup with spoon instead of a straw. I'm able to bring food to my mouth instead of bringing my mouth to my plate. I plan on having the other side done later this year.
I say all of this, to let you know your not alone. There are plenty of us out here that understand frustration, embarrassment, and helplessness that you feel. Fortunately there are solutions to help you cope. Many people found medications that work for them with little to no side effects. Others like myself have found surgery to be the best option.

I did address a couple of things in this thread that I learned from my doctors. Essential Tremor is disorder and Parkinson's is separate disorder. They're not related. They appear in different parts of the brain. Yes, they both have tremors as a symptom. Just as you could have fever from the flu or a cold. The fever is just a symptom of two different diseases. The tremors with Parkinson's are different from the tremors with Essential Tremors. Parkinson's patients are encouraged to exercise to lessen their tremors. ET tremors get worse with exercise. Parkinson's tremors happen all the time. ET tremors don't occur when you sleep.