Editorial Reviews
"Jocelyn Bystrom writes with a clear, concise voice that facilitates compassion and understanding of a disorder with far-reaching consequences. . . . A story about advocating for yourself, Jocelyn's experiences point toward hope and healing and always come back to finding strength in her faith, her family, and herself. Compelling, insightful, inspiring, and educational, FiNDing Hope offers a way forward and can benefit anyone suffering from similar unexplained illnesses, mental health issues, traumas, and stresses." - Indies Today
"The author's prose is clear and honest throughout, and it bravely invites readers to experience her difficulties in detail, as well as her remarkable resilience." - Kirkus Reviews.
"If you're a reader with a loved one who has had complicated health issues for a while and want to support them by trying to understand the frustration that comes with the process of pursuing a diagnosis while their health is in decline, this is a great addition to your library. Reading this memoir is an emotional experience and a call to action."
- Independent Book Review
About the book...
FiNDing Hope is the remarkable story of Jocelyn Bystrom’s seven-year struggle against Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), a complex neurological condition that triggered daily epileptic-like seizures, cognitive decline, thunderous headaches, and an inability to work, drive, or care for herself or her family.
In a world where millions struggle with undiagnosed mental health disorders, FND often goes unnoticed. This involuntary condition complicates the nervous system, interfering with the brain-body connection. It can be triggered by various factors, including acute psychological trauma, physical injuries, or underlying medical conditions. For Jocelyn, it was the abrupt loss of her beloved teaching job that ignited a cascade of debilitating health challenges.
But her journey is more than just a medical mystery. It’s a story of unwavering hope, resilience, and the enduring power of the human spirit.
As Jocelyn navigates the complexities of her illness, she shares her experiences with raw honesty and vulnerability, allowing readers to experience her journey firsthand while providing valuable insights into FND.
FiNDing Hope is not just a book about FND; it’s a testament to the human capacity to overcome adversity. It offers hope and understanding to anyone facing a chronic illness, and it inspires us all to find strength in the face of life’s challenges.
Praise for FiNDing Hope
Jon Stone
Professor of Neurology, University of Edinburgh, Secretary of the FND society & creator of neurosymptoms.org
"The voices of people with FND have long been silent. Jocelyn Bystrom’s account of experiencing seizures and movement disorder as part of the condition will resonate with others who experienced diagnostic delay and disbelief from others. Her story also gives hope to those wondering if improvement from FND is possible and reminds us that there are many different paths to change.”
Dr. JJ. Sidhu
Psychiatry, (SIU) Vancouver General Hospital, Department Head, Psychiatry, Vancouver Acute & Community |Medical Director MHSU Vancouver Acute & Tertiary, Medical Director, Mental Health and Substance Use at Vancouver Coastal Health.
“Finding Hope is a fantastic read. Like any skilled guide, Jocelyn Bystrom expertly brings us along to experience the ups and downs of what it is like to live with a condition that transcends the perceived space between mental and physical health. This experience can be incredibly isolating and invalidating for individuals trying to navigate their own lives, as well as medical systems that are better set up for more overly simplified origins of illness. Finding Hope advances this discussion, and it should bring hope to those who find themselves in similar circumstances.”
Monica Parkin
Tedx Speaker,Bestselling Author, Podcast Host, featured on CTV, BBC and more.