How Opera Singing Helps Megan Beat Tourette's and Feel Totally Free

Megan Hastings is a 20-year-old opera singer who has found freedom and comfort through her passion for music, despite living with Tourette syndrome. Megan, who is currently studying opera at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff, began experiencing jerking tics when she was just 10 years old. At the time, she thought these movements were caused by anxiety. However, during the Covid-19 pandemic when she was 16, her symptoms became much more severe. She started punching herself and shouting at her parents, which was both confusing and distressing for her and her family. Megan had never heard of Tourette syndrome before her diagnosis at age 17, which came alongside a diagnosis of autism. She felt misunderstood and embarrassed, often trying to hide her tics from others to avoid being mocked. Megan describes the pain of living with Tourette syndrome, explaining that her muscles are constantly working and that some of her tics, like punching herself in the thigh, are very uncomfortable. She also faced negativity on social media, where Tourette syndrome was sometimes treated as a trend or joke. People would imitate her tics and make fun of her, both online and in public, which made it even harder for her to accept herself.

Despite these challenges, Megan discovered that singing opera gave her a sense of freedom she had never felt before. When she sings, her tics disappear, allowing her to perform without pain or discomfort. This has helped her manage her condition and boosted her confidence. Megan says that being able to sing through songs and participate in rehearsals without experiencing tics are small victories that make her feel good. She hopes that her story will encourage others to be more understanding and patient with people who have Tourette syndrome. Megan is also excited about a new film called 'I Swear,' which tells the story of John Davidson, a young man who became well-known in 1989 for sharing his experiences with Tourette syndrome. When Megan saw the trailer for the movie, she was moved to tears because it showed an honest and raw portrayal of the condition. She believes that seeing real representation in media can help people understand what it is like to live with Tourette syndrome and reduce the stigma around it.

Megan hopes that the film will make it easier for people to get diagnosed and receive support. She also wants the public to be more patient and accepting of those with Tourette syndrome, recognizing that they are just people who deserve kindness and respect. Megan says that if she had seen someone with Tourette syndrome in a movie or on TV when she was younger, she might not have felt so alone or ashamed. She wants to inspire others to embrace who they are and not hide their differences. Through her love of opera and her willingness to share her story, Megan is helping to change the way people think about Tourette syndrome and encouraging others to find their own sense of freedom and confidence.