FND Journey and Me

09/04/2026

For years, many have lived with a condition doctors often dismiss with five words: "It’s all in your head." 🧠💭

If you’ve felt like your body isn't listening to your brain, or have been told your symptoms aren't "real" because your scans were normal: please know you are not imagining it. You deserve to be heard.

Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) is a complex, real condition where the brain's "wiring" miscommunicates with the body. It’s not about what’s missing on a scan; it’s about how the brain processes movement, sensation, and signals from the world around us.

This recent article by author Mackenzi Moore and The Independent out of the UK, they're breaking down the science of FND, the harm caused by stigmas, and why understanding how the brain actually works is the first step toward recovery.

Let’s shift the narrative: It is in your head, because that is where your brain is—and it is time we treat these symptoms with the urgency they deserve.

Swipe through to learn more. ➡️

Are you or a loved one struggling to find answers? Share your thoughts below. 👇

Resource: The Independent
https://www.the-independent.com/life-style/health-and-families/fnd-diagnosis-functional-neurological-disorder-treatment-symptoms-b3035721.html

08/23/2026

I'm feeling proud of myself, so I wanted to share this important milestone with you!

Last night was my first time seeing live music since my diagnosis. I've been hesitant because of the excess stimuli at most venues. Sounds, smells, flashing lights, a lot of people, kids running around having fun, have all been avoided for the last year and a half.

What did I do to ensure my comfort and safety while I was there?

1. I had personal motivation, not just from my partner Dana with a plan and an agreement to leave when I needed to, but also getting to see my desert bestie ŠTÄRÇÄT✨ and our amazing host Leah Estrella.

2. While I was there I used my Experience 2 Loop Earplugs with an additional muter added for extra auditory support.

3. I wore lighter glass so they wouldn't be too heavy on my face in order to avoid any headaches.

4. Enjoyed a Lavender Citrus tea from the amazing Leah Estrella and , which helped lower my stress and anxiety. Plus it was absolutely delicious!

5. Brought my cane even though I didn't need it.

6. I never leave home without my Toni bag, which holds ice packs, fidgets, lip balm, and many more items to help with sensory overload.

7. Had an exit strategy, just in case.

8. Brought my meds with me so I didn't miss taking them or take them too late.

It was such a fun time! Once the glow poi came out, as much as I love watching light and fire spinning, I became immediately concerned since we've noticed some photosensitivity moments with flashing or bright lights that have sent me into pretty big seizure episodes. However, with the help of Dana and Blair, I was able to exit with no issues. I had a great time and nothing bad happened. Even the few tics I had, it didn't throw me off, I just went with the flow.

I read recently, if you keep waiting to live again after the diagnosis of a chronic illness (or any illness) you'll miss so much. Last night was a good reminder of that. I'm still breathing, still alive, and still capable of doing things I didn't think I could.

What's your current milestone? I would love to know!

08/21/2026

It's Friday tomorrow, and I can't wait.

I wanted to share an update with you on my everlong health journey. Yesterday I started Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). For those unfamiliar, TMS is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in specific areas of the brain. The goal is to modulate brain activity, which can be beneficial for various neurological and psychiatric conditions.

I'm specifically undergoing treatment with the Brainsway Deep TMS machine. This technology uses a unique H-coil to reach deeper and broader brain regions than conventional TMS, aiming for a more comprehensive therapeutic effect. My sessions are 30 minutes daily, five days a week, for six weeks.

While it's only been two sessions, I'm already experiencing significant fatigue and can't wait for the weekend to rest. I've also noticed an uncontrollable, extremely fast tic (different than the usual daily tics or ones from stress) in my right eye, and teeth grinding during the treatment. It's definitely a more challenging process than the "painless" description often found in research or by some providers.

For those in the Functional Neurological Disorders and Chronic Illness community, has anyone else tried TMS, especially Deep TMS? I'd appreciate hearing about your experiences and any insights you might have. Please feel free to share below!

08/17/2026

6 Reasons Why You Should Add Tai Chi to Your Daily Routine! 🦋🧘‍♀️

The power of mind-body communication with Tai Chi isn't just movement — it allows mindful practice and awareness, through gentle movements, breathing, and moving physical energy; it's an amazing way to regulate your nervous system and foster healing from within. Through deliberate forms and focused intention, Tai Chi offers incredible benefits.

Here’s how it works and why it’s a game-changer:

💙 FND Reconnection & Nervous System Regulation: Helps retrain neural pathways, calming overactive systems for better FND management and regulation.

🧡 Balance & Coordination: Improves proprioception, balance, and coordination through gentle, low-impact weight shifting.

💙 Improved Sleep Quality: Meditative movements and focused breathing promote faster sleep onset and more restorative, deeper sleep.

🧡 Enhanced Cognitive Function: Stimulates neural pathways, improving attention, focus, and memory through sequential movements.

💙 Joint Health & Flexibility: Lubricates joints, increases range of motion, and strengthens supporting muscles with fluid, gentle movements.

Are you ready to experience the benefits of mind-body connection? Or perhaps you've already started taking those steps? It just takes one to start, and the others will follow. Your body and brain will thank you!

08/10/2026

Over 15 years ago when I began my mental health journey, I discovered one of my favorite quotes. There is a huge stigma behind taking prescription medications and for someone who only used primarily plant medicine, now takes a technicolor wheel of medications, inevitably accepting that the medications are there to help me live a better life, with less symptoms, less pain, and the list goes on.

For me, it felt unnatural at first taking so many medications - one for this, one for that, etc. Then as the weeks progressed, I finally felt the clouds lifting, bit by bit. Progress is progress no matter how much you do.

The stigma behind taking medications, particularly psychiatric drugs, chronic illness treatments, or visible medical management like insulin—stems from deep-seated cultural myths that equate medical reliance with personal weakness, a lack of willpower, or a flawed character.

You are not weak or lack willpower, you just need some help along the way, and there's nothing wrong with that. Asking for help is the strongest thing you can do.

This quote isn't just for those with mental illness. It applies to anyone who may be trudging through the snow and may need assistance to continue.

"Having a mental illness is like walking through knee-deep snow. You can get where you’re going with enough effort, but it’s slow going and exhausting. Medication is like wearing snowshoes. It alone won’t get you where you’re going, but at least will put you on top of the snow where you can walk with much more ease.” — Jenalyn Cloward Barton

Now that's something to think about. 🧡❄️
https://www.instagram.com/p/Db3ZQ45NcFW/?igsh=MTc4MmM1YmI2Ng==

05/27/2026

💙 These lyrics by the Goo Goo Dolls hit a little different these days. 🧡

And I don't want the world to see me
'Cause I don't think that they'd understand
When everything's made to be broken
I just want you to know who I am

05/08/2026

Way to go NPR for spreading the word on FND! 💞

Short Wave on NPR One | 14:29

04/03/2026

With Functional Neurological Disorder/ FND Hope International – I just got recognized as one of their top fans! 🎉

04/01/2026

Can I tell you something you may not know?

The first of April annually marks Functional Neurological Disorder Awareness Month, a time to amplify our voices and deepen our understanding of this complex disorder.

As someone who has been on this roller-coaster FND journey, I urge and invite you to join me in spreading awareness, advocacy, and welcome a community of support, not just this month, but every month.

Join me on April 13th for International FND Awareness Day, where I will be opening up about my personal journey with FND, with a follow-up Q&A afterwards for those interested.

Follow and discover ways you can make a difference. As we share our own experiences, we can create a wave of change, compassion, and hope.

💙☂️🧡