Baylen Dupree Reveals She Had Suicidal Thoughts amid Struggle with Tourette Syndrome

Baylen Dupree Reveals Battle with Suicidal Thoughts while Coping with Tourette Syndrome

Baylen Dupree, known for sharing her life on the TLC series Baylen Out Loud, bravely opened up about her struggles with Tourette syndrome even when the cameras were not rolling. During an FYC panel event hosted by PEOPLE’s Janine Rubenstein on Tuesday, April 22, Dupree, accompanied by her fiancé Colin Dooley and her parents, shed light on the darkest moments she has experienced while living with Tourette syndrome.

The 22-year-old reality star candidly shared, “I was embarrassed of who I was. I was in therapy four days a week. I didn’t want to be alive. I had to drop out of college because my other conditions got too bad. I looked at my parents and I said, ‘I got to go’… They came, and they got me.”

Although Dupree’s Tourette syndrome can be visible and intense on her show, she mentioned that her condition has improved over time. She highlighted that the tics seen on Baylen Out Loud offer only a glimpse into the challenges she faced four years ago, compared to how her life is now. Dupree emphasised, “It’s 30 seconds of four years of my life,” underscoring the immense emotional turmoil and despair she endured.

Since receiving an official diagnosis for Tourette syndrome in 2020, Baylen Dupree has been actively raising awareness about the condition across various platforms, including social media, where she has amassed over 12 million followers on TikTok and Instagram combined. By sharing her journey on television, Dupree aims to educate a wider audience about the realities of Tourette’s, emphasising that the disorder presents differently in each case, and her tics are not representative of all people with Tourette syndrome.

In a prelude to the show’s debut in January, Dupree expressed, “When you’ve met one person with Tourette, you’ve only met one person with Tourette. I feel like people need to know that it’s on a spectrum from mild to severe, and that’s how it should be looked at.”

The young reality star’s openness about her mental health struggles, including suicidal thoughts, serves as a powerful reminder of the challenges individuals with Tourette syndrome and other mental health conditions may face. Dupree’s courage in sharing her story not only raises awareness about Tourette syndrome but also encourages discussions around mental health and the impact of support and understanding from loved ones.

Dupree’s journey sheds light on the importance of destigmatising mental health struggles and fostering a supportive environment for individuals facing similar challenges. Her resilience and willingness to share the raw reality of her experiences can inspire others to seek help, advocate for mental health awareness, and cultivate empathy and understanding towards those navigating similar situations.

In moments where individuals like Baylen Dupree openly discuss their battles with mental health, it underscores the significance of offering support, understanding, and resources to those in need. By sharing her story, Dupree not only raises awareness but also breaks down barriers and stigma surrounding mental health, fostering a more compassionate and inclusive community for everyone to thrive.

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or mental health issues, it is essential to seek help and support. Resources such as the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and the Crisis Text Line can provide assistance and guidance during challenging times. Remember, you are not alone, and there are people and organisations ready to help you through your journey towards healing and well-being.