Jamie’s Story | FND Awareness Day UK 2026

A personal story of living with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND).
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I was first diagnosed with FND at the age of 11.

I have just started secondary school and was enjoying the challenge it brought. After numerous questioning about anxiety, the doctors finally agreed that my diagnosis lies in the area of FND.

We had to fight for support – and even now the knowledge of the illness is inadequate and there are no treatment options. I am facing the unknown future – I can go from feeling better (rarely) to having complete crashes setting me back weeks.

The unpredictability of the illness is draining. Luckily I have a lot of support from my family but the unknown is scary – I wish I could be spontaneous like my peers and not plan my day knowing that I will be paying for any bits of independence later on.

I feel we are just given a vague diagnosis and left to get on with it – there is no medical or mental health support.. the doctors just keep telling me I may grow out of it. What if I don’t? What are the prospects for future employment and independent life?

~ By Jamie, Age 16