FiNDing Hope
The Journey Before the Diagnosis
What if you knew something was wrong—but no one could tell you what it was?
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: Journey Before the Diagnosis
What if you knew something was wrong—but no one could tell you what it was?
"FiNDing Hope" delves into the profound mind-body connection and underscores the critical importance of being seen and heard amidst the uncertainty of invisible illness and diagnostic ambiguity. Jocelyn's journey is more than just a medical mystery; it’s a story of unwavering hope, resilience, and the enduring power of the human spirit.
Discover the Untold Story of Living with Medical Uncertainty. "FiNDing Hope" is not just another book about Functional Neurological Disorder (FND). It explores the years spent in the unknown, emphasizing that the diagnosis is important, but not the beginning of the story. For seven years, Jocelyn Bystrom navigated debilitating neurological symptoms without a clear diagnosis, inviting readers into her world of uncertainty, isolation, and the relentless search for answers.
You are more than your diagnosis. In a world where millions struggle with undiagnosed neurological health disorders, FND often goes unnoticed, complicating the nervous system and interfering with the brain-body connection. As Jocelyn navigates the complexities of her unexplained symptoms, she shares her experiences with raw honesty and vulnerability, allowing readers to experience her journey firsthand. "FiNDing Hope" is NOT a book about FND; it’s a testament to the human capacity to overcome adversity in the waiting. It offers hope and understanding to anyone facing life-altering physical symptoms prior to a supportive diagnosis, inspiring us all to find strength in the face of life’s challenges.
You are more than your diagnosis. Before there is a diagnosis, there is a person who needs to be seen and heard.
For those living with unexplained or invisible illnesses, especially those who have experienced prolonged diagnostic uncertainty.
o People living with FND
o Families and caregivers
o Healthcare professionals
o Counselors and educators
o Patient advocates
o Memoir and resilience readers
BEFORE THE DIAGNOSIS
FiNDing Hope, sparks the timely conversation about the years, months, and moments when patients know something is wrong but do not yet have an explanation with a five-season content framework.
1. TRAUMA — What happens when your body changes your life?
2. REFLECTION — Who are you when you can no longer do what you once did?
3. WAITING — What happens when nobody has an answer?
4. CLARITY — What changes when there is finally a name for what is happening?
5. RENEWAL — Can diagnosis become the beginning rather than the end of the story?
While other FND books focus on explaining what FND is, how it can be managed, and how others experience it, "FiNDing Hope" offers a unique perspective: What it feels like to live through the years before you know you have FND.
The landscape of FND literature has evolved in 2026, with a wealth of clinical guides and resources now available. "FiNDing Hope" stands out by offering a deeply personal narrative that resonates with anyone who has faced the uncertainty of an undiagnosed condition.
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.
“Wow this was hard to put down! I was engaged right from the first word and found it easy to put myself in the authors shoes and relate to her experience while reading her story. A powerful impactful memoir that I have no doubt will change lives. I have already shared this book with others.An insightful, powerful read with many lessons woven between the lines. Loved it!
