Her Rare Medical Condition Led to Suicide Attempts and Seizures. She ‘Never Would’ve Believed’ Where She’d Be by 28 (Exclusive)

**Tayla Clement: A Journey of Resilience and Empowerment**

Tayla Clement, a 28-year-old from New Zealand, is redefining her narrative as she embraces life in ways she could never have imagined as a child. Living with Moebius syndrome, a rare neurological condition that leads to facial paralysis, Clement has faced significant challenges, particularly in her formative years. Despite this, she has emerged as a beacon of hope and inspiration for many, sharing her experiences with a large online community.

Clement’s early life was marked by bullying that severely impacted her mental health. Born with facial paralysis, which affects her ability to smile, she became a target for cruel taunts from her peers. The relentless teasing escalated from verbal abuse to physical bullying as she grew older. In a desperate attempt to fit in, she underwent a surgical procedure known as “smile surgery” at the age of 11. Unfortunately, this operation did not yield the desired results, leaving her face swollen and further exacerbating her struggles with acceptance among her classmates.

“The humiliation I faced at school was overwhelming,” Clement recounted. “That year was the first time I attempted suicide.”

By the time she reached 18, the toll of her mental health struggles had manifested in the form of frequent seizures, occurring up to nine times a day. Medical professionals attributed this alarming condition to the extreme clinical depression and post-traumatic stress disorder that had developed due to years of bullying and trauma. “My brain was under so much pressure; essentially, my body was shutting down,” she reflected, as she contemplated the prospect of a life reliant on her parents.

Faced with the prospect of losing her independence, Clement decided to take charge of her life. “I had two choices: to keep slipping further down a dark path or to give it one last shot,” she stated. She opted for the latter, diving into intensive therapy. With each session, she grew more comfortable in her own skin, and remarkably, her seizures began to diminish.

Despite the arduous journey, Clement believes that overcoming mental health issues is vital yet challenging. “Anything to do with mental health is just so debilitating, and unless you’ve faced it yourself, it’s really difficult for others to comprehend,” she noted.

Today, she thrives independently alongside her long-term partner, whom she met on the dating platform Bumble. Their relationship blossomed rapidly, and they have since built a life together, which includes sharing the joys of puppy parenthood and recently purchasing their first home. “We just clicked instantly and became best friends; it feels right,” Clement shared, emphasising the strength of their bond. The couple has taken on the exciting challenge of renovating their new house, a process that has captivated her.

Moreover, Clement has made significant strides in her online presence. In 2026, she signed with an influencer management agency, solidifying her role as a content creator and empowering those who may feel similarly isolated. “Everything I do is for that 11-year-old Tayla who needed someone like me to believe in her,” she expressed passionately. She is determined to use her platform to advocate for greater representation and understanding of individuals with disabilities.

Clement’s message is clear: she aims to make a difference. “People probably dislike my persistence, but I’m relentless in my mission to advocate for change. This needs to be addressed, and I’ll do whatever it takes,” she affirmed.

Her story resonates with many, illuminating the battles faced by those with similar experiences. In a world where bullying and mental health challenges remain prevalent, Tayla Clement stands as a testament to resilience and the power of self-acceptance.

For anyone grappling with their mental health, support is always available. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached through 988 or online at 988lifeline.org, providing resources and assistance around the clock.