Lived Experiences with FND

This page shares lived experiences from individuals navigating Functional Neurological Disorder (FND).

Experiences may include diagnosis journeys, daily challenges, things that have helped, and perspectives individuals wish others better understood.

Stories are shared with permission and may be presented with a name or anonymously, depending on individual preference.

This space is not intended to compare experiences or define what FND “should” look like. Each experience is valid.

For clear, accessible information about the condition itself, visit our What Is FND? page.

Experiences shared here may include a range of emotions and realities.

Some may reflect frustration, uncertainty, or ongoing challenges. Others may include moments of support or things that have helped in small ways.

You are encouraged to move through this space at your own pace and take breaks if needed.

Rhoda | Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

“About 1.5 years ago, a neurologist diagnosed me with FND, and I haven’t heard from him since. I went to my doctor to figure out what to do next, and she literally said all my symptoms were in my head and that there were no therapists in this area who specialized in FND. We haven’t talked about my diagnosis since.”

Anonymous

“Thank you for starting this initiative. I like the way things read on your website. It is more specific and real than others. I look forward to being part of a group. This has been an isolated journey.”

Sympathetic Mom | Kitchener-Waterloo Region, Ontario

“It’s been heartbreaking to see how much FND negatively impacts my 17-year-old daughter’s life. She can only manage 2 courses at school each semester and she’s so drained when she gets home that she spends most of her time resting. To spend time with friends, she has to plan ahead since she knows she won’t be doing much for a few days after. She must feel at times like her friends are moving on in life without her, but she never fails to amaze me that she continues to remain positive and hopeful despite the challenges she faces daily.

I wish teachers were more compassionate and understanding and realize that a student with FND has to put an immense amount of extra effort into everything related to school compared to their peers.”

Tanya Reeves | Nova Scotia

“I’ve lived with FND for more than ten years. There was a time when I spent about two years mostly in bed, and I was on disability for six years. It was a frightening and isolating chapter of my life. Over time, I learned ways to live with FND and gradually found my way back to work. Today, I run my own beauty business, but that doesn’t mean I’m cured or that every day is easy. I still live with FND, and I’m proud of the life I’ve rebuilt while carrying it with me.

FND is real, even when other people can’t see what someone is struggling with. Being able to work or do something on a good day doesn’t mean a person is no longer affected. I wish people understood that someone can keep building a life and still have difficult symptoms, limitations, and days when they need to rest.”