Finding Hope in Recovery: My Journey with FND
- Anna Donaldson
- May 15
- 5 min read
Updated: May 21
Disclaimer: This post has images of hospital settings and EEG wiring.
Living with functional neurological disorder (FND) is a deeply personal and unpredictable experience. No two cases are identical, and neither are the paths to recovery. The journey toward healing can feel overwhelming, filled with uncertainty, misdiagnosis, and frustration. But I want you to know—recovery is possible.
For three years, I battled the ups and downs of FND, but the past few months have reshaped my life in ways I never imagined. My recovery wasn’t about a single treatment or a quick fix; it was about persistence, exploration, and trusting the process. You may not have an exact roadmap, but you do have options.
This blog isn’t meant to provide a medical template for recovery. Instead, I want to offer hope, insight, and encouragement through my own lived experience. Because when you’re faced with an illness like FND, hearing stories of progress can be the motivation you need to keep pushing forward.
Understanding Functional Neurological Disorder
You might have heard of epilepsy, but did you know that seizures can be non-epileptic? I didn’t—until I had one and realized it didn’t match the typical symptoms of epilepsy. That moment was the start of an incredibly complex journey to understanding FND.
FND is a condition where the brain struggles to communicate properly with the body, leading to symptoms like:
Muscle weakness and tremors
Dissociation or difficulty with awareness
Gait and coordination problems
Seizures that mimic epilepsy
Paralysis and other neurological disturbances
What makes FND so difficult to diagnose is that it mimics other neurological disorders. That confusion often leaves patients misdiagnosed or dismissed. In my own experience, the lack of awareness within the healthcare system was a significant challenge. Many professionals simply didn’t know enough about FND to provide the right support.
This lack of education is one of the biggest barriers to recovery—not because treatments don’t exist, but because they’re not widely recognized. If you have FND, you might feel lost, unheard, or unsure where to turn. But I want to emphasize this: you are not alone, and recovery is possible. There are many people and organizations out here advocating and supporting a path of healing for you. Some of which you can find here.
A Multifaceted Approach to FND Recovery
Recovery from FND is rarely straightforward. You might have tried treatments that didn’t work, felt discouraged, or questioned whether you’d ever find relief. The truth is, FND recovery requires a tailored approach—what works for one person may not work for another.
In my journey, I worked with a variety of specialists, each offering a unique piece to my healing process. Here’s how different therapies played a role in my recovery:
1. Family Doctor – The First Step Toward Understanding
When I started experiencing symptoms, my family doctor was instrumental in guiding my early treatment. They helped me manage the emotional toll of FND by prescribing medication to support my mood. But more importantly, they offered critical referrals that led me to the right professionals.
If you’re struggling with FND, one of the first steps is finding a doctor who listens—someone willing to dig deeper and help you connect with experts who understand the condition.
2. Physiotherapy – Rebuilding Strength and Coordination
Physiotherapy was a turning point in my recovery. My body felt uncooperative—weak gait, poor coordination, and sudden movement issues made everyday activities difficult. Through physiotherapy, I learned a new language for movement and rebuilt strength in areas that had deteriorated.
The exercises weren’t just about improving mobility. They helped retrain my brain’s connection to my body, making movements feel more natural again. If you experience physical symptoms with FND, physiotherapy can be incredibly valuable in helping you regain function.
3. Psychotherapy – Shifting Mindsets and Beliefs
Functional neurological disorder isn’t just about physical symptoms—it also deeply affects your perception, beliefs, and emotional well-being. I learned this firsthand through psychotherapy, where I uncovered the mental blocks that were holding me back.
Through therapy, I adapted to my environment, processed difficult emotions, and reshaped how I viewed my illness. FND can feel debilitating, but changing your mindset can influence the way you experience recovery.
4. Acupuncture – Restoring Nervous System Balance
Before trying acupuncture, I didn’t fully understand its potential. But this treatment helped me regulate my nervous system in a way I hadn’t experienced before. FND symptoms can be unpredictable and exhausting, but acupuncture provided moments of true relief and rest.
Though not everyone responds to acupuncture the same way, it can be beneficial for reducing stress, improving circulation, and easing muscle tension.
5. Naturopathic Care – Supporting the Body’s Healing
Functional neurological disorder isn’t just about managing symptoms—it’s also about supporting the body holistically. My naturopathic doctor helped me identify dietary and supplement options that could enhance my healing process.
By focusing on nutrition, I gave my body the right fuel for recovery, allowing my brain and nervous system to function more optimally. If you haven’t explored nutrition-based support yet, it may be worth considering.
6. Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy – A Profound Shift
This was perhaps the most transformative part of my recovery. Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy helped me process emotions in ways I never had before. It felt like something clicked—like my brain was rewiring itself in real time.
Though it’s difficult to describe the exact sensation, this treatment allowed me to break free from deep emotional barriers and experience healing in a new way. While ketamine-assisted therapy isn’t right for everyone, it was a pivotal moment in my journey.
The Power of Support and Acceptance
Recovery isn’t just about medical treatments—it’s also about the people who stand by you during the hardest moments. You may feel misunderstood at times, but having friends, family, and a support system can make a difference.
FND can feel isolating. You may have moments where symptoms are overwhelming, where you doubt your ability to recover, or where you wonder whether anyone truly understands. But acceptance and patience from those around you can be life-changing.
I’m incredibly grateful for the people who made the past three years bearable. They didn’t just see my illness—they saw me. They recognized my struggles, offered love, and encouraged me when I felt like giving up.
If you have FND, surround yourself with those who lift you up. Support may not erase your symptoms, but it can help you build resilience.
You Are Not Alone in Recovery
The journey toward healing is rarely straightforward, and recovery may take longer than expected. But progress is possible, even when it feels like you’re standing still.
Your experience with FND is unique, but that doesn’t mean you’re alone. There is hope in the small victories—the moments of rest, the treatments that resonate, and the days when symptoms ease.
You deserve to explore options and find what works for you. Your recovery is not a set timeline—it is a journey. Keep searching, keep trying, and most importantly, keep believing that healing is within reach.
Key Takeaways
Recovery is different for everyone – No single treatment works for all. Explore what suits you best.
Misdiagnosis is common – Many doctors aren’t well-informed about FND. Seeking knowledgeable specialists is crucial.
A combination of treatments helps – Physiotherapy, psychotherapy, acupuncture, and naturopathic care contribute to healing.
Support is essential – Encouragement from friends and family eases the recovery journey.
Healing takes time – Progress is gradual, but persistence and hope make a difference