Billie Eilish ‘doing everything I can’ to suppress Tourette Syndrome

By Carla Feric, Press Association Entertainment Reporter

Billie Eilish has said she is “doing everything I can” to suppress her Tourette syndrome.

The singer-songwriter, who was 11 years old when she was diagnosed with Tourette’s, told of how “frustrating” it can be when others do not understand the condition.

Tourette Syndrome causes involuntary, sudden, repetitive sounds or movements known as tics, which can be triggered by different things, including stress, excitement or tiredness, according to the NHS website.

Speaking to Amy Poehler on her Good Hang Podcast, the 24-year-old singer spoke about living with the condition and said: “I do have Tourette’s and I have vocal tics, but luckily for me and for everyone else, they’re mostly just noises and I can keep them pretty quiet.

“I go through phases of words becoming tics, but there’s a thing called suppressing, if you ever heard of it.

“When I’m in an interview, I’m doing everything in my power to suppress all of my tics constantly.

“And as soon as I leave the room, I have to let them all out.”

Poehler, known for starring in hit TV series Parks And Recreation, went on to speak with the singer about intrusive thoughts, which are unwanted and often shocking thoughts, images, or urges that pop into your mind against your will, according to the NHS.

Eilish said: “Imagine those intrusive thoughts, but your mouth has to say them out loud, right? That is Tourette Syndrome.”

“I think what’s troubling about the way that people do not understand what Tourette’s is, if I start having a tic attack, like a lot of tics in a row, people are like, ‘Are you OK?’.

“This is very much normal.

“It’s like, if you didn’t see me tic today, you’re not looking at my knees, which are tic-ing constantly under this table, and my elbows that are like… I’m clenching my arms the entire time.”

The chart-topping singer added: “It’s because I’m currently on camera and I’m having a conversation, and I’m trying not to be distracting.

“I’m really doing this whole time – as much fun as I’m having – I’m doing everything I can to suppress every single tic that’s visible from the top of my head to (my waist).”

The singer, known for hits including Birds Of A Feather and Bad Guy, added: “That’s how we, as people with Tourette’s, pretty much spend our days.

“Some people don’t even have the privilege of getting to suppress them at all in any way.

“The not understanding of that is really frustrating, as a person with Tourette’s.”

Eilish rose to fame at 14 years old, following the release of her viral hit song Ocean Eyes, and has since had two UK number one singles and three chart-topping albums.

The singer has also won a string of accolades through her career, including 10 Grammy Awards, two Oscars and three Brit Awards.