In our society, people with Tourette's Syndrome are often faced with difficult challenges in life, far more different from other people.
People with TS often encounter problems with social interaction. They are often ridiculed and misjudged. Their tics become objects of ridicule- some people laugh almost immediately after seeing a tic, which are commonly mistaken as "weird mannerisms" or "bad habits." In public, they instantly become a center of attraction, for it is quite difficult not to stare at a person who performs weird-looking movements. Minsan, napagkakamalan pa ngang may diperensiya sa pag-iisip ang taong may TS. Matapos kang titigan ng masama, bigla ka na lang lalayuan, animo'y may nakahahawang sakit ka.
To be child with TS is very difficult. To experience being ridiculed often at a very young age can affect one's personality. These problems could even become worse in the teen years. Imagine what it is like being laughed at by classmates and barkadas, and being scolded by teachers. Imagine being dumped by a girl who never dreamed of having a "funny-looking" boyfriend. In some cases, even the parents of a kid with TS have difficulty in accepting and coping with their son or daughter's unusual "doings." The phrase "Tigilan mo nga 'yan!" must sound very common to an undiagnosed child.
Many are unaware that stress and tension can worsen the frequency of one's tics. After a stressful exam, or long hours of arduous work, a "Touretter" would normally find himself "ticcing" in full swing. When a person with TS becomes aware that his tics are being watched, or when he gets humiliated, he becomes conscious and often exerts effort to suppress them. This struggle makes him more tense and thus, worsening his tics.
Despite of these shortcomings (and many others), it is quite surprising that a lot of people with TS are prominent achievers in many fields, and are never considered as "lesser people." They are everywhere, from teachers, lawyers, athletes, soldiers, corporate leaders, and even doctors who perform delicate surgery. A lot of them are also gifted in the fields of art and music. Many of them live normally just like any other people, and are determined not to let their tics affect their daily lives. Sometimes, TS is not the real problem- it's the people around us.
Life with TS
