Movies of the Mind - 'I Swear' - The Turmoil of Tourettes - 10/10/25

Oct, 10 2025

Serious subject matter can be the inspiration for a moving film which highlights the growing impact of a condition in the community. This is the first ‘Movies of the Mind’ blog in which I will share a story and the film that reflects it. Fitting also, as today is ‘World Mental Health Day’ so let’s get started.

John Davidson MBE born 1st June 1971 is a Scottish campaigner for Tourette syndrome, who lives in Galashiels. But it wasn’t an easy road for John. He experienced a multiple range of symptoms such as tics, coprolalia, echolalia, sudden and violent body movements along with severe obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).

Bullied and mocked John left school at age 16 with no qualifications. He took a position as a caretaker at Langlee Community Centre in Galashiels the rest of his working life. He has also participated in a lot of voluntary youth work.

It was during this time that a BBC TV documentary was made about him ‘John’s Not Mad’ (1989) became a major talking point nationally. A follow up was made when he was 30 ‘The Boy Can’t Help it (2002) and another ‘Tourettes – I Swear I Can’t Help it (2009) caught up with him at age 37.

But John didn’t just accept his condition he made a considerable effort to raise awareness by speaking openly about Tourettes with thought provoking talks and workshops for school pupils, teachers and police and has even organised an annual two day residential Tourette camp for young people.

In 2019 he was appointed an MBE in recognition of "his efforts to increase understanding of the condition and helping families deal with it across the country."

In 2024 it was announced that Robert Aramayo would play Davidson in a biographical film directed by Kirk Jones and also starring Maxine Peake, Shirley Henderson and Peter Mullan.

‘I Swear’ reaches cinemas today. Take a look at the following film trailer –

Even in 2025 there is an ignorance when it comes to conditions like Tourettes syndrome but this film should change the perspective of those that are blinded by false stories and lack of knowledge. John turned a negative situation into something positive when he became an adult and with a little love and appreciation we can see good in people just like John.

If you know anyone suffering with Tourettes the following website link may be of help to you and your loved ones –

https://www.tourettes-action.org.uk/

Change needs to happen so that the next generation of Tourettes sufferers receive help earlier on in their diagnosis so they can find survival skills to deal with it better.  ‘ I Swear ‘ is not just designed for trivial entertainment, this film is hoping to get into the psyche of those that are ignorant of the condition so that better help is provided reducing the chances of bullying that John experienced during his school years.

So many mental health conditions are a hidden journey but Tourettes is very much exposed and revealed yet with continuous talks like John is doing more acceptance is found even amongst the haters of this condition. Give someone a hug this World Mental Health Day.

^ Alex Ashworth CCG Content Creator.