Lauren McWhinnie is a video blogger who shares open and honest films about her experiences of living with TSC. We caught up with Lauren to talk about her fantastic films, her reasons for vlogging and the power of laughter and togetherness to get through difficult times.

Thanks for talking to us Lauren! Can you tell us a bit about how TSC affects you?

“I’m 21 years old and I was diagnosed with TSC at 3 1/2 years old. Living with TSC has brought ups and downs, and has felt like a rollercoaster, with trying to juggle emotions and different scenarios. I have had two surgeries for TSC, the first being brain surgery back in 2010 – I was subsequently awarded the ‘Spirit of Devon 2010’ for my “bravery and Inspiration in everyday life”.

What was the inspiration behind setting up your vlog?

“I set the vlog up from a viewpoint that TSC isn’t a single diagnosis that fits all, but that TSC can affect people in different ways, with different possible complications and treatment options.

I also set it up to raise awareness of TSC and to reach others who are affected by TSC and related conditions. I want to help people feel more connected and reassured that they’re not alone, by telling stories of my experiences.

My vlogs are an opportunity to teach others who may not know about TSC, which might help to give people living with TSC the right level of support at things like work placements.

The videos are also a fun way to boost my confidence, as I’ve always kept TSC private. I thought that the films would be a way I could speak openly about my condition and living with TSC. I hope that, in the future, when I attend hospital appointments or speak to the public alone, I’ll now be able to open up more.

It’s a bit of reassurance for me, to know that I’m not the only person living with TSC, as I’d never met anyone with TSC until the TSA Outlook event last year. I always wanted to hide my problems from others, even when things were too much and kept piling on top of each other. It was only then when I realised that I needed help. Since college, I’ve been to see counsellors to help with my low self-esteem and anxiety.”

What have you enjoyed the most so far making the videos?

“Having my sister Jodie do them with me is great, as it has made us closer. I like to find the fun in each video and come up with a different theme for each week. However, some of the films weren’t easy, but these are the ones I’m also most proud of. For example, the film about my brain surgery took a long time to film because myself and Jodie found it emotionally hard to film and talk about.

The films have also given me confidence to feel proud to be different. It’s taught me that being different makes someone stand out from any crowd in a good way, which has been hard for me to accept as I got bullied through the majority of my school years.”

What have you been up to during lockdown, and do you have any future plans away from filming?

“I joined the TSA’s Outlook 2020 virtual meeting earlier in the year and I’ve been working on a counselling therapy course and a free epilepsy course. I’ve also been doing voluntary work for Epilepsy Action and Mind as an ambassador for both charities.

I’m studying Access to H.E. in Sports Science and completed a six-week project that I got from my tutor, receiving a Distinction grade. I hope to go to university next year to study a sports degree. This will involve moving away from home to live an independent and free life. I want to show and prove to myself and others that anything is possible when you put your mind to it.”

Do you have any tips on staying positive during tough times?

“Find enjoyment in your passions. My way of coping is by writing quotes and memories down on paper, dancing to music, singing, art and baking, which are all therapeutic. I like to make people laugh and I like to be cheeky, which is how I make up for all the daily battles I face in my life.”

Is there anything you’d like to say directly to the TSC Community?

“Never stop fighting for your dreams, even if TSC takes over – we’re still in it together! We can be there to support each other to reach our goals and to not give up on life.

Whatever gets in my way, I always strive for gold, so that I can push through barriers and make sure that they don’t stop me from achieving the best life possible.”

You can watch all of Lauren’s films by clicking here.