The JJSegment : Working with FND and writing a book : The FND Podcast

🎙️ The JJ Segment: Catching Up with Jess – Working, Writing, and Living with FND

In this deeply honest and joyfully heartfelt episode of The FND Podcast, Detty sits down with the wonderful Jess for a long-overdue catch-up on the JJ Segment. From moving states, to getting married, to navigating life with FND while diving headfirst into a blue-collar job — Jess shares it all with her trademark humour, grit, and glowing resilience.

Together, we unpack what it’s really like returning to work with Functional Neurological Disorder, from workplace seizures and flare-ups to pacing, planning, and the importance of telling your employer. Jess opens up about her journey from overdoing it to finding a more manageable balance — and how she's learned to adapt rather than fight her FND.

But that’s not all — Jess is also a published author! We chat about her newest fantasy release "Woman of Wolves", her passion for storytelling, and how she balances creative life with chronic illness. You’ll laugh, nod, maybe even tear up — and definitely walk away feeling inspired.

✨ In this episode:

– Jess’s journey with FND & employment

– Coping with seizures at work

– The emotional evolution of living with FND

– Why communication with employers matters

– Writing through chronic illness

– Creating a fantasy world… and lifting 3 tonnes of flour a day?! 💪

– The gift of self-acceptance and finding your pace

📚 Want to support a fellow FND warrior? Check out Jess’s books on Amazon and follow her on TikTok @jessmcfarlane

A massive thank you to Jess for being so open and shining your light. And to our listeners: you’re not alone. Your journey with FND is your own, but we’re right here beside you.

Stay safe, love hard, and peace — see you on the flip side 💛

To work or not to work with FND that is the real question. It's a hard one to gauge and safely decide and it's definitely not for everyone. Here's a short conversation we have with Katherine Gill from Australia Support Services and also a sneak preview to the upcoming episodes.

This Episodes notes:

Job Access : the guide to disability employment : click here for more details

Disability support services Australia in Victoria click here for more details

Employment programs: disability *Aus government.

Returning back to work presentation on FND Australia Support Services Channel : Click here for more details

Transitioning from school to work with a disability: click here for more details

If you feel like you would like to Volunteer in Australia : click here for more details

Caitlins story with FND and work :

If needing to more information and support on working with a disability here is the Fairwork Ombudsman information : click here for more details

Note: the links are related to those in Australia however it is a good idea to look up your disability supports in your country. Here are a few that I've found so far however there is more out there :

For USA from what I could see : Job Training and programs for people with a disability

Americans with Disability Act : protecting people with disabilities from discrimination

Office for disability employment policy click here

For Canada: Canadian Association for Supported Employment click here

Canada employment Strategy for Canadians with disabilities click here

For England: Employment disability rights click here:

Careers and work for disabled people from Disability rights UK click here

Ability Net : Information about Disability and Employment

Music used in this Podcast is from Soundstripe : licensed for use

Flowstate by Pala

This and That by Nu Alkemi$t

Life in Pastels by Matt Wigton

Map zoom out

Thankyou for listening to the FND PODCAST we are not sponsored by these organizations however they do tremendous work in the FND community.

FND AUSTRALIAN SUPPORT SERVICES :https://fndaus.org.au/fnd-symptoms/

A wonderful resource for people in Australia with FND: from reasearch into FND, finding medical specialists and services and just information about FND. Solely dedicated to all things FND and helping those with FND in Australia.

IF you would like to support FND Australia Services and would like to have a look at some merchandise click here

FND ACTION : https://www.fndaction.org.uk

FND Action is a patient-led charity who offer a caring and supporting hand to people living with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) in the UK.

FND GUIDE. :https://neurosymptoms.org/en/

A website all things Functional neurological Disorder written by Professor Jon Stone who is the leading FND researcher and Consultant Neurologist in Edinburgh, ScotlandDr Mohsin Butt is an excellent doctor who explained what FND is perfectly click here to watch his explanation

FND DIMENSIONS: http://fnddimensions.org/

FND Dimensions aims to develop a network of ‘peer support groups’ across the UK either in face to face meetings or online via methods such as Skype. By bringing people together on a regular basis, this helps alleviate the isolation that many FND patients feel. It also gives opportunity for others to open up dialog and to talk to others in a similar position about the day to day challenges, issues or concerns with one another. They have an amazing FND Survival Kit click here to have a look

https://www.neurokid.co.uk/\

A website for young people and families living with NEAD and neurological symptom

https://fndportal.org/

Amazing website with information and links to fnd

Information on Non Epileptic Seizures or NEAD

https://www.sth.nhs.uk/clientfiles/File/Epilepsy/pil2072.pdf

The FND Podcast song of the month:

Rise above by Alberto Giurioli and Geoff Lawson

Click here to listen

Here re two essential reads on FND that are highly recommended by Chrissie and now myself Click on the titles to gain access on the articles.

The Cadenza for fractured consciousness From Medium.com on the fnd portal

The Road to Functional Neurological Disorder by Gabriel Brownstein

The published research Paper on FND by Haseel Bhatt

FND is not fake or Malingering

Just a quick reminder that while we love sharing insights and stories here, this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. It’s not meant to be medical advice tailored to your specific needs. We always encourage you to chat with your GP or a medical professional regarding any health concerns or questions you may have.