Supporting someone with FND

Carers and family are often the first to notice flares — and the first to feel helpless. This sheet is for partners, parents, friends and anyone supporting a person with FND.

What helps most

Believe them. Symptoms can look different day to day; that is common in FND
Ask “what would help right now?” instead of guessing
Help with practical tasks on crash days without taking over every decision
Learn their safety plan (when to call 999 / 111)
Go to key appointments if invited — take notes, not control

What often makes things harder

Watch for

Arguing about whether symptoms are “real”
Pushing activity on a clear crash day
Speaking for them in every appointment
Ignoring your own sleep, work and health

Try instead

“I believe you — let’s take this in steps”
Agree a bad-day plan in advance
Offer choices, not ultimatums
Build your own support (friends, GP, carer groups)

Looking after yourself

Supporting someone with fluctuating neurological symptoms is real work. You are allowed to rest, ask for help, and keep medical care for your own health. If you feel unsafe or overwhelmed, contact your GP or local carer support.

Safety first

If symptoms are new, sudden, severe, stroke-like, a first seizure, chest pain, or very different from your usual pattern, call 999 or use NHS 111. Do not assume it is “just FND”.