Parents & Caregivers
A calm, supportive space for those caring for someone with FND.
Welcome
Caring for someone with Functional Neurological Disorder can feel overwhelming, confusing, stressful, or frightening. You may be searching for answers, trying to find support, or simply wanting to understand what is happening. You are not alone, and none of this is your fault. Your support matters deeply, and HHFFND is here to help guide you.
FND happens when the brain and body have difficulty sending and receiving signals. It is a real neurological condition, not imagined, not intentional, and not caused by personality, weakness, or behaviour.
People with FND may experience:
- weakness or sudden loss of movement
- tremors or shaking
- non-epileptic seizures
- speech difficulties
- sensory changes
- cognitive fog or confusion
- sudden fatigue
- emotional overwhelm
These symptoms are real and involuntary. Your child, partner, friend, or parent is not choosing them.
We offer gentle, practical support for caregivers across Canada.
- Our caregiver programs include:
- weekly online support groups
- calm, predictable session structure
- trauma-informed communication
- space to ask questions without judgment
- connection with others who understand your experience
You can participate:
- with or without your camera
- silently or by speaking
- while resting or stepping away
- however feels comfortable to you
There is no pressure to be strong or to share more than you want.
Our caregiver groups follow a consistent, supportive flow:
- A warm welcome
- A gentle grounding moment
- A optional check-in
- A practical, calm topic or resource
- A time to reflect, listen, or share
- A quiet closing moment
These groups are not therapy. They are community support, steady, understanding, and safe.
Support looks different for every family, but these principles often help:
- speak calmly and reassuringly
- offer simple choices instead of open-ended questions
- allow breaks and pauses
- reduce overwhelm where possible
- validate their experience
- avoid pressure or frustration
- ask what feels supportive in the moment
- recognize that symptoms are involuntary
Small changes make a meaningful difference.
Caregivers often experience stress, fear, burnout, or uncertainty. HHFFND provides a dedicated Coping Menus created specifically for Parents & Caregivers.
View: Coping Menus for Parents & Caregivers
If symptoms suddenly change or feel frightening, guidance is available on our Safety, Crisis & Emergency Guidance page. This page offers calm steps and direction for difficult moments.
A Supportive Message for Parents & Caregivers
Supporting someone with FND can be emotionally heavy. It is okay to feel tired, uncertain, or overwhelmed at times. Caregiving often involves navigating unpredictability, advocating for understanding, and balancing your own needs alongside someone else’s. That work is meaningful, and it can also be exhausting. Your care matters. You deserve support, understanding, and moments of rest as well.