Tourette’s Syndrome is a neurological condition that causes unwanted and/or involuntary sounds or movements. These movements and sounds are known as tics. These tics tend to show up between the ages of 2 and 15. Males are three to four times more likely than females to develop TS.

TS is either genetically inherited or is caused by a traumatic experience whether physical or mental. Tics don’t always mean that someone has TS. Tics can also be picked up from OCD, ADHD, Autism, Depression, Sleeping Disorders, etc.

Hospitals are reporting that typically they “diagnose no more than six girls a year with Tourette’s Syndrome.” However following the lockdown they are now reporting three to four referrals a week.

Research in this spike has shown that it is due to the lockdown. The lockdown has caused a large rise in mental illness overall. There are also theories that this spike in tics and Tourette’s could be caused by people sharing about it on social media. Causing a similar effect as Dancing Mania did.

Due to the spike in tics, and TS, it’s important to know what it is and how to deal with it. Tourette’s is something that should be handled with compassion.

When around someone who is ticking the best way to handle it is to simply ignore it. Reacting to it will only stress them out and make it worse. Or make them uncomfortable. Not everyone is willing to talk about their Tourette’s or the cause of their Tics. Do not try to fix these people or point out their new tics. These things will only add fuel to the fire. It’s important to not belittle them for something that they can not control.

May is national Tourette’s Syndrome awareness month. May is a good month to speak out on what is known about TS. As well as a good time to donate to the research of a solution for TS.