Tourette’s Syndrome is a neurological condition that causes a combination of involuntary noises and movements known as ‘tics’. The affects of the condition to the brain and nervous system are usually identified during childhood and continue into an adult’s life. In many cases, patients with Tourette’s Syndrome may also have disorders such as obsessive compulsive disorder or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Although the symptoms of the syndrome are not life threatening, they can have an adverse affect on a person’s mental health. Some with Tourette’s Syndrome report feelings of depression, isolation and embarrassment. Tourette’s Syndrome Day has been created in the hope that people will spread awareness of the symptoms of this condition but also consider the feelings of sufferers.
As a symbol of support for Tourette’s Syndrome Awareness Day, charities and organisers are encouraging members of the public to share the ‘TA twibbon’. The TA twibbon embodies a white ribbon on a green background—display it as your profile picture or simply share it on social media. To download a copy for yourself and show that you back this admirable cause, use this following link: tourettes-action.org.uk
Another element of the campaign that is circulating is the use of the hash tag #TSelfie. This involves taking a selfie with a winking eye (a common tic with Tourette’s) whilst using #TSelfie. Comments to accompany selfies may include taglines such as: ‘Showing my respect and support for #tourettesawareness—here’s my #TSelfie’. With more people to join the cause, this fairly common disorder can get the limelight it needs to become normalized to the public. Likewise it will raise money for charities to provide help for those with the disorder.
So let’s band together for this year’s Tourette’s Syndrome Awareness Day and get posting!
