Living with Tourette’s: My Journey Since 2020

Posted Tue 2nd Sep 2025 at 11:15
by Keira Lindsay

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In October 2020, just months after the pandemic had turned all of our lives upside down, I was diagnosed with Tourette syndrome.

At first, it felt confusing and overwhelming. My body was doing things I couldn’t control, and I didn’t fully understand why. Like many others, I started searching for answers. 

What I didn’t realise at the time was that I wasn’t alone. During and after the pandemic, there was a significant rise in sudden onset of tics, particularly among girls. Researchers have suggested that the stress, isolation, and uncertainty of the pandemic years may have played a role in this sudden increase. For me, it felt like the perfect storm: being cut off from normal routines, facing so much worry about the future, and the general strain of lockdown life all seemed to play a part.

Finding My Way 

At the beginning, living with Tourette’s was scary. I worried about how people would see me, whether I’d be treated differently, and how I could cope day to day. But as time has gone on, I’ve started to learn that Tourette’s is only one part of me. It doesn’t define who I am, even though it affects my life in big ways. 

Throughout the hundreds of doctors' appointments, hours of mental and physical therapy I’ve been incredibly lucky to have huge support. From my mum, my family, my close friends and teachers. They’ve stood by me through the hardest days, helped me laugh when I felt like crying, and reminded me that I am so much more than my tics. Their love has been a lifeline. 

Another lifeline for me has been performing on stage. When acting, being in the spotlight, performing has given me moments of freedom where my tics seem to fade into the background. In those moments, I feel completely myself not defined by TS, but empowered by what I can do. 

Tourette’s and Triumph 

This passion for performing has opened doors I never imagined. In 2025, I was honoured to win Miss Dorset, and I am now preparing to represent my county at Miss Great Britain. For me, this isn’t just about pageantry, it’s about using my platform to raise awareness of Tourette syndrome, to share the realities of living with it, and to show others that TS doesn’t have to hold you back from chasing your dreams. 

The Honest Truth 

While I am proud of what I’ve achieved, I also want to be honest: most days are still harrowing. Tourette’s can make me incredibly ill, both physically and emotionally, and it’s a constant battle. I'm completely reliant on the people around me and i can't even get out of bed on my own. There are times when it is overwhelming, but I try every day not to let it get the better of me. Living with TS has forced me to find strength I didn’t know I had, and to keep going even when it feels impossible. 

Looking Ahead 

Developing Tourette’s in the middle of a global crisis was not something I ever expected, but it has shaped who I am today. My hope is that by speaking out; whether through this blog, on stage, or in my role as Miss Dorset, I can play a small part in reducing stigma and making sure others with TS feel less alone. 

If my story reaches just one person who’s struggling right now and helps them feel seen and understood, then sharing it will have been worthwhile. 

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