She was my rock and I couldn’t have got through it without her.
When I became an adult, I put myself out there, going to reggae nights and festivals to make friends.
There, I met my two best friends, Sez and Amber.
‘We love you the way you are,’ they’d say.
With a new boost of confidence, I started to perform at open-mic nights.
Amazingly, when I sang, my tics disappeared.
It felt so liberating to belt out a tune without having to worry when my next outburst would be.
However, there are still so many parts of life that are a struggle for me.
All I want is to have a job like everyone else, but no-one will employ me.
When I was 18, a lady called Deena kindly gave me an opportunity at her café.
I worked hard, preparing meals and working the tills.
Sometimes because of my condition I’d uncontrollably throw sandwiches in the air.
Still, it was great to earn my own money.
Sadly, after six months, the café closed and I haven’t been able to find anything since.
Just going about everyday life is very difficult for me.
Whenever I go to the supermarket, I end up causing havoc by breaking up loaves of bread, bursting open bags of chips and chucking eggs on the floor.
Luckily my local shop is aware of my condition and will let me off.
And wherever I go out in public, I can’t help constantly swearing.
‘F**k off!’ I shout at random people, walking down the street.
I try to explain that I have Tourette’s, but I’m often met with horrible looks.
It’s heartbreaking that no-one understands me.
One time, I was getting my nails done at a local salon who know about my condition.
After a bad outburst of swearing, another customer turned to me.
‘They’re trying to do your nails, for goodness sake,’ she said.
Even after I told her about my Tourette’s, she just tutted, ‘You disgust me.’
I cried to my mum when I got home, frustrated at the woman’s lack of understanding.
Despite my battles, I’m trying my hardest to lead a life like everyone else.
Four years ago, I moved out of my parent’s house and got my own place.
Carers still have to come round and help me sometimes.
I’m not able to clean my home as I always try to spray the multi-purpose cleaner into my mouth, so they’ll help me clean and cook.
I also now have a boyfriend Zachary, 27, who I met through friends.
It’s so lovely to have someone who accepts me for who I am.
Because of my Tourette’s, we can’t really do regular date nights like going to dinner or the movies.
We’ve recently moved in together, so instead we’ll have days out to Bunnings, picking out new bits and pieces for our home.
Having Tourette’s is difficult as it holds me back and I’m often subjected to nasty reactions from people.
But I’m determined to keep positive and enjoy my life.
I’ve even set up a YouTube channel, ‘B with Tourettes’ to raise awareness and show others what it’s like to live with the condition.
I want to break the stigma and celebrate my uniqueness.