01
Get urgent help if…
- Symptoms are new, sudden, or totally different from your usual FND pattern
- Injury, breathing trouble, chest pain, new one-sided weakness, face droop, worst headache of your life
- A first-ever seizure / episode and nobody knows what's going on
- You're not recovering like you usually do and something feels seriously wrong
- You feel unsafe in your mind — self-harm thoughts, wanting to disappear, can't stay safe alone
UK: 999 for emergency. NHS 111 if you're unsure what level of help. You are allowed to use these even with an FND diagnosis. FND does not mean “never go to A&E.”
02
Usual FND vs “this is different”
If you know your pattern, trust that knowledge. If something feels off for you, that's data. Don't let “but I have FND” talk you out of checking.
When in doubt: tell a human, use 111, or go urgent. Better a slightly awkward check than a silent spiral.
03
During an episode (plan ahead if you can)
- Tell a safe person what helps and what doesn't (no restraint, no objects in mouth, space, time it, recovery quiet)
- Phone note / medical ID if you're comfortable
- School written plan — not vibes, not “we'll figure it out mid-corridor”
- Aftercare: water, quiet, no pressure to perform “I'm fine now” for an audience
04
Your feelings count too
FND can mess with mood, anxiety, and hope. If your head is in a dark place, that's a health issue — not a character flaw.
Tell a trusted adult. In the UK you can also contact Childline 0800 1111, Samaritans 116 123, or use 999 if you're in immediate danger.
You don't have to wait until it's “bad enough.” Early is allowed.
05
A tiny plan you can screenshot
- Who I text first: ________
- If they don't reply: ________
- My usual FND looks like: ________
- Red flags that mean urgent help: ________
- What helps in recovery: ________
Fill it when you're calm. Use it when you're not.
