Lewis Capaldi has joined our good friend and Kiwi TikTok sensation Leighton Clarke AKA Uncle Tics for a deep and personal chat about their Tourette's diagnosis and how they both deal with the 'seriousness' of living with Tourette Syndrome.
In episode one of ‘Tic-Heads' season two, Lewis gets into how his Tourette's began as well as the worst tic attack he’s ever experienced being on his most recent tour.
“I’ve always done wee things. When I was younger I always used to smell my hands, I always and even still to this day, make this noise and I feel like I need to get it in a certain part of my throat,” the ‘Wish You The Best’ singer explained about his first tics.
“As I got bigger with my music, my anxiety would get worse and I noticed when I was getting anxiety, I start clutching, my neck starts to go to the left and my shoulder goes up.”
On that note, Lewis curiously asks what Leighton’s most common tics are, and let’s just say they’re a little more on the shocking side.
“It’s either telling my beautiful fiance to sit on my face or yelling ‘bomb’ in the airport, just yelling really out-the-gate stuff,” Leighton explained of how bad and controversial his tics can stretch.
Lewis then delves into experiencing his worst tic attack during his most recent tour.
“I got off stage and it got worse and worse. I couldn’t move, like, I was on the floor and my whole body was jittering, shaking, I couldn’t catch my breath. It was like I was having a seizure.”
When it comes to support and awareness, Lewis mentions the lanyards that people diagnosed with Tourette syndrome can wear to make those around them aware of their ‘invisible disability’.
Leighton explains how new and unspoken that support feature is to New Zealand, and how hard they are to get ahold of here due to the lack of support backing the Tourette’s Association of New Zealand.
Lewis empathises with Leighton, adding: “Most people think it’s this funny thing, people don’t realise how serious it can be.”
Despite being two totally different people, living two totally different lifestyles, it was awesome to see both Leighton and Lewis share a connection through their diagnosis by understanding each other's struggles and triggers.
If you want to watch the full interview between Uncle Tics and Lewis Capaldi, check out ‘Tic-Heads’ season two HERE!
