A Personal Account of Tourette's Syndrome

At just 20, Yasmin Bartle received a life-changing diagnosis: Tourette Syndrome. In honor of Tourette's Awareness Month, she courageously shared her story, revealing how a simple shopping trip led to a startling confrontation.

Unexpected Symptoms

As a child, Bartle exhibited subtle quirks, like involuntary arm movements and spontaneous whistling. While her symptoms peaked around age 10, they tapered off until a meningitis infection in 2019 reignited her tics.

Uncontrollable Moments

During a visit to a store, Bartle experienced a sudden urge to throw a bottle across the aisle, leaving her shocked and confused. "I didn't even realize where it had come from or what had just happened," she recalled.

Denial and Misconceptions

At first, Bartle struggled to accept her diagnosis. Initially categorized with tics, her eventual confirmation of Tourette's left her frustrated and embarrassed. Like many, she had assumed Tourette's was only about swearing.

"I barely left my house," she admitted, recalling an incident where she shouted out ‘alcoholic’ in a grocery store, inadvertently sparking an argument with an upset shopper.

Finding Support and Understanding

Things took a turn for the better when Bartle joined a support group through TIC Yorkshire. "I realized I wasn’t alone, and that many others were going through similar struggles," she expressed. Her experience motivated her to become a volunteer with the organization.

She aims to dispel common myths about Tourette's, especially the misconception that swearing is the worst part of the syndrome. In fact, the mental tics and compulsions can be far more challenging.

The Importance of Education

Bartle has penned a book on her experiences to raise awareness and educate others. She emphasizes the need for understanding and empathy towards those with Tourette's, urging anyone facing similar challenges to seek support.

Understanding Tourette's Syndrome

Tourette's Awareness Month runs from May 15 to June 15, focusing on combatting stigma and misinformation. According to the NHS, tics are involuntary movements that can manifest as body jerks or sounds. When these symptoms persist for more than a year, they are classified as Tourette's Syndrome.

This condition affects approximately 1 in 100 schoolchildren, with a notable prevalence in boys. In the UK alone, over 300,000 children and adults live with Tourette's.

Your Voice Matters!

As Yasmin Bartle's story illustrates, there is strength in vulnerability. By sharing her journey, she hopes to foster understanding and kindness towards those with Tourette's Syndrome. Let's work together to break the stigma!