Did you ever wonder what it would feel like if everyone noticed every single thing you do? This is the life of every Tourette syndrome patient. Aside from the fact that they themselves are fighting their own battles, they get to fight an even harder one with the world around them.
We’re here to talk about one of the first people to turn the table for all Tourette fighters. The girl who courageously spoke up about her condition in an effort to raise awareness, Salma Khaled.
What Is Tourette Syndrome?
Tourette syndrome is a neurological system condition that causes people to have “Tics” which are sudden frequently repeated twitches, movements or sounds. People who have TS can’t stop their body from twitching, blinking, or screaming.
Tics can vary in their severity and frequency from one person to another and that’s why some people may not even know they suffer from Tourette syndrome while others can have such severe tics that are too obvious to not notice.
If you’re wondering what the cause of the syndrome might be, it’s not quite known. It’s a complex disorder likely caused by a combination of inherited genetic and environmental factors.
Tourette syndrome isn’t officially diagnosed in Egypt as a condition of the nervous system.
Salma & Tourette Syndrome
When Salma’s video went viral, everyone started to wonder what Tourette syndrome was. Seeing her made us realize how much we didn’t know about this condition before. While some of us may have already heard about Tourette syndrome, most of us were shocked to find out about this condition we never knew existed.
Salma’s video shows how unpredictable and involuntary Tourette tics can be. Also that it’s something people with Tourette syndrome absolutely can’t help.
Imagine how tough it would be not being able to control your own body? Now add to that all the strangers that stare at you as if you’re crazy or give you comments such as “cut it out”.
How heartbreaking is that? Apart from the internal struggles you involuntarily face with your body, you have to learn to face the judgement in everyone’s eyes.
“The hardest thing I have to face is people’s reactions” -Salma Khaled
As hard as the condition may be on Salma, it was never harder than having to deal with the looks, comments, and judgements she faces from people. We mean who wouldn’t hate being starred at for something they can’t control?
This is why Salma decided to speak up about her condition and raise awareness for all those battling Tourette syndrome.
How To Deal With People With Tourette Syndrome
One out of every 200 people worldwide suffer from Tourette syndrome. Even if we hadn’t known anything about this before, we do now! We’re obligated to raise awareness and help those around us who have to live with a very challenging condition.
The judgement needs to come to an end; think before you give someone a hurtful comment or look. “Don’t judge a book by its cover” isn’t just a metaphor, it should be a way of life!
Think for a second that there may be an underlying truth to what you’re seeing and learn to always be kind! Whether it’s towards someone you know or you don’t know. Because maybe, they’re fighting their own battles that you know nothing about!
So what can you do? Be considerate! Don’t stare, stop commenting on their tics, don’t put more stress on them, and never ever joke about it! If you see someone being rude to anyone with Tourette, don’t stay silent, speak up!
