Me, myself and Penelope!

Posted Mon 12th Aug 2024 at 11:38
by Macy-Jo O'Hare

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“That was Penelope…” ”Sorry that wasn’t me, it was Penelope…” “Penelope is off on one again…”

I think I say these sentences about 50 times a week. Penelope is my nonidentical twin, also known as my Tourette’s. I came up with Penelope a short time after my diagnosis in 2021 as a way to let people know when my Tourette’s is not good or when it is negatively affecting me. Penelope can make people and me laugh until we can’t breathe, but she can also worry people when she is hurting me.

People often only see the funny side of Tourette’s and not the painful side that can seriously impact our mental health.

When I was diagnosed I felt quite lost, not knowing what to do, I didn’t have much help of the hospital who diagnosed me and I had to look into what being diagnosed with Tourette syndrome means for me myself. Soon after I ran into this wonderful charity and their support group. After attending my first group I felt seen and understood. I knew I wasn’t the only one who felt like this, but also knew I was lucky as I had such a good support system.

This is why I have decided to raise awareness in Liverpool as well as online. Quite frequently I will share information on the stereotypes of Tourette’s and why they either reflect a small, small amount of us, or none at all.

My mission of raising awareness also includes planning a fundraiser in the Liverpool area around the October time so watch this space!

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