Tahla had (autoimmune) Anti-NMDAR antibody encephalitis when she was 15. She spent 6 months in hospital, losing her ability to walk, talk, eat, drink, as well as experiencing psychosis and aggression.

As part of her treatment, Tahla needed to be intubated numerous times. These intubations led to issues with her throat, meaning Tahla was feeding through a tube, silently aspirating, on thickened fluids and a moderated diet for months.

At the time, the damage done to Tahla’s throat by the intubations was so severe her voice was less than a whisper. Her voice is louder now after multiple surgeries, but she is still unable to sing as before, shout, and even minor infections can aggravate the damage and affect Tahla’s breathing, impacting her daily life and activities.

Experiencing these medical emergencies and outcomes in her teens has had a profound impact on Tahla’s mental health. In this film, she shares her experiences of encephalitis, recovery, and friendships, as well as her tips on how she has supported and improved her mental health since her hospitalisation with encephalitis.