FND Empowerment Circle:
Your Online Support Community!
Strength in Connection,
Empowerment in Community.
Did you know? We also have a Facebook group (private) and Discord group!
Jump to:
Overview
Read our blog post introducing the FND Empowerment Circle here.
FND Empowerment Circle: Online Support Group is a virtual support group created to provide a safe, welcoming, and empathetic space for anyone affected by Functional Neurological Disorder (FND). Hosted by Not Defined by FND, this online support circle offers a sense of community, understanding, and empowerment for those living with FND and those who support them.
This group is open to FND warriors and supporters—anyone affected by FND, including those living with the condition and their families, friends, or caregivers. Each session will focus on a specific topic related to FND, allowing for structured, meaningful discussions. Facilitated by volunteers who understand the complexities of FND, the group focuses on practical guidance, emotional well-being, and empowering individuals to better manage the daily impacts of the condition.
While we understand that living with FND can be challenging, we strive to maintain a positive and uplifting atmosphere in each session. While it is perfectly ok to vent, we encourage participants to keep the conversation as positive as possible, focusing on hope, support, and the strength we all bring to the table.
Participants are welcome to remain anonymous if they prefer. You can use your real name or a nickname, turn your camera on or off, and choose whether to use your microphone or stay silent. The group fully respects your privacy, allowing you to engage in a way that feels most comfortable and secure for you.
Whether you are newly diagnosed or have been living with FND for some time, or are a supporter of someone who lives with FND, this support circle helps reduce feelings of isolation, offers hope, and encourages a shared sense of strength through connection. All are welcome to join in creating a supportive, understanding, and uplifting virtual community where participants can feel heard and empowered.
Group Expectations
To keep things safe, fun, and supportive for everyone, here are a few ground rules:
1️⃣ Be Kind & Respectful: This is a judgment-free zone. Treat everyone with kindness, even when opinions differ. 💛
2️⃣ Share, but Don’t Overshare: Feel free to share your experiences, but keep personal details you’re not comfortable sharing private.
3️⃣ Listen with an Open Mind: Everyone’s journey with FND is unique. Let’s embrace and respect different perspectives. 👂✨
4️⃣ Keep it Positive: It’s okay to vent—we’re here to support! But let’s aim to leave each other feeling uplifted and encouraged. 🌟
5️⃣ Privacy Matters: What’s shared in the group, stays in the group. Respect everyone’s anonymity and confidentiality. 🔒
6️⃣ Participate Your Way: Camera on or off, real name or nickname—it’s totally up to you! Join in however you’re most comfortable.
Thank you for helping make this a safe, welcoming space for all. Let’s support and empower one another—together! 💙
What to Expect
Each FND Empowerment Circle session centers around a monthly theme, with a set of thoughtful, guiding questions to help spark positive and meaningful conversation. These questions are simply a jumping-off point—sometimes we follow them closely, and other times the conversation flows wherever it feels most helpful in the moment.
We use Menti, an easy-to-use interactive tool, to present the discussion questions during each session. Menti allows participants to respond anonymously using their phone or computer—perfect for those who may not feel up to speaking out loud but still want to share their thoughts. It creates a low-pressure way to participate and helps everyone feel included, no matter their comfort level.
Whether you're an FND warrior or supporter, this is a space for connection, encouragement, and support. Come as you are, participate in whatever way feels right for you, and remember—you’re never alone on this journey. 💙
Schedule
We have scheduled the meetings for the first couple of months based on the days and times that received the most positive responses. Additionally, we’ve selected the topic focus for these initial sessions to help guide our discussions. In the future, we’ll choose topics based on the interests and priorities the group identifies, ensuring the sessions remain relevant and meaningful for everyone. As the group grows, we’ll continue to adjust both the schedule and topics to best meet the needs of the community.
Please let us know what days and times work best for you by completing this short survey.
Upcoming Sessions:
Feel free to join whichever time works best for you—or come to both!
May Theme: Mental Health Matters - Caring for Your Mind
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Thurs, May 1st @ 11am EST
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Sat, May 31st @ 8pm EST
May Discussion Questions
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What does mental well-being mean to you, and how do you nurture it?
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What are some ways you prioritize your mental health while managing FND?
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What’s one thing that helps you feel grounded when life feels overwhelming?
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How do you measure progress beyond just physical improvements?
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What’s a goal or dream you’re working toward, and how are you adapting to make it happen?
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How do you recognize when you need to take a break, and what helps you reset?
June Theme: Stronger Together - Building Your Support Network
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Thurs, June 5th @ 11am EST
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Sat, June 28th @ 8pm EST
Links
Here are the links for both the morning and evening FND Empowerment Circle sessions. If you have any issues or questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us!