FND diagnosis & the 25-year-old book that's helped me!

[@melaniemurphyofficial]

Watch this podcast if you are suffering from anything chronic 🙏🏻 kzbin.info/www/bejne/oYquaKiqlspqecksi=p1jay7NzY1Wa_-fd

[@OliviaK-ki9pi]

This is a really beautiful video, I've enjoyed your videos for so many years. As a psychotherapist, it hurts my heart when I see the betterhelp ad anywhere, but I really respect and enjoy your videos so much! Please, leave better help, find your therapist's private practice, and be a client with them directly. Use BACP, Psychology Today, Counselling directory. Find a therapist friend and ask them about bh and what it is doing to our careers, as I imagine your bh therapist won't be able to talk candidly about this.

[@TangerineHorizons]

I agree!

[@sarahju]

As a psychotherapist I could not agree more. It is so important to sit face to face and not just to see each other on a screen. Also the easy switching of therapists within seconds I think is really problematic. With my patients it was such a benefit whenever conflicts came up to work through them instead of just ending the therapy.

[@laurad5806]

@@sarahjuyes the idea of mending a therapeutic rupture and how that can positively impact the relationship in the long term is so important. That gets lost if it’s encouraged to just switch instantly

[@uu7794]

Guess she can’t afford to loose the sponsorship…

[@FrankskinOrweed-ep4ij]

Would you not elaborate as to WHY??

[@chronicallyalicia_]

I kid you not the way I actually celebrated when I saw the title of this video. Just to clarify not because you have been diagnosed with FND by any means because it can be an awful disorder with awful symptoms BUT because I haven’t seen such a large creator outside of the chronic illness online space speak about FND so openly! I have watched you YEARS, like since I was in high school and have never commented on a KZbin video before. I wanted to thank you for sharing this and being so vulnerable because I know first hand how scary and confusing FND can be ❤️ Everyday I share my FND journey online and have done for the past 2 years. I want you to know you have made me feel seen the way my audience says they feel seen in my own videos. Thank you Melanie, much love 🧡

[@melaniemurphyofficial]

😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 biggest biggest cuddle ever! Xxxxxxx

[@chronicallyalicia_]

@@melaniemurphyofficial ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@CB-jg6xg]

“I am never going back to asking more of myself than I have to give “ ❤❤❤

[@MMM.430]

It’s so good to see you standing up for Gaza. Thank you

[@melaniemurphyofficial]

❤️❤️❤️

[@mollyaitken4399]

Mel, thank you for this video. I have a 3 year old, i am doing a phd, i am also self employed and part-time lecture at a university. I am not in your position but i can see it happening. I need to take care of my health. Honestly, appreciate how honest you are online. You help people without knowing x

[@melaniemurphyofficial]

If me sharing encourages even a few people to make some changes to their self care routines I’ll be over the moon 🥹💖

[@goofpastemoth]

this video resonated me in so many ways, esp what you were saying about impulsive picking / disorders rooted in childhood trauma, holy shit. i’m due to have a coil fitted and i am so shit scared about the pain of not only the procedure but the possible side effects. i know it’s different but your video really opened my mind to trying to chill about the fear of potential side affects and the pain of the fitting. holy shit pain and fear are both so bad, the catch 22 in this scenario is unreal. thank you for making this video, you are a testament your babies and yourself ❤

[@bleumarin1968]

the fact that someone in the medical world was able to put a name on your condition is the first step to recovery! It is priceless. All the best, mind yourself

[@melaniemurphyofficial]

I took many steps before getting diagnosed thank goodness but this confirmation that it was a mind body condition really helped me make many more big strides! Xxx

[@abbyburns3127]

If I've learned anything over the past decade it is that health is a wild and dynamic spectrum. I went from relatively healthy my whole life, to identifying as chronically ill with a single diagnosis at 20, to 4+ diagnoses and disabled at 27. Now I am a few months shy of 33 and all I know for sure is that disability changes--month to month, year to year, and even day by day--and all I can do is be active about what is in my control and accept everything else that comes along. I'm a big proponent of take what works for you whether that be recovery stories, medication, touching grass, whatever, and leave the rest. Thank you for sharing your story!

[@claudiajade624]

All pain is experienced by the brain. Doesn't matter whether is from a 'real' source. Same pain. The older I get the more and more grateful I am for my inherent brain chemisty, but also the way I was raised so caringly and lovingly and I guess taught a lot of these things as just normal. This has inspired me to try and be more proactive with these mental health things with my daughter. Best of luck with your recovery. 💙

[@EnnyOwl]

Currently reading the body keeps the score and working through my PTSD from childhood with my therapist. Thanks for talking about all this. Helps me feel less alone ✨

[@kayleighjweb]

I’m only 36 minutes into this video but I can’t tell you how much I NEED content like this in my life. I have migraine, anxiety, depression, pcos, ptsd and recently been late diagnosed autistic. Your videos are so comforting to me and I absolutely adore how you share what helps and each thing you’re doing / what it is! I would love to see more detailed videos into each thing you have tried and how it helped, maybe a video on recommendations of people you watch and have learnt things from, book/audio book recommendations, documentaries. Honestly I love all of this “hippie stuff” and I really need to go outside more. Thank you for the reminders 😭💖

[@whitneydavidson5788]

First year clinical psychology student here, studying to specialize in pain psychology. I’ve been a subscriber for so long, and I want to pop in here to say how much you’ve been a mentor to me over the years, for many different things. Clinically/professionally, your experience is extremely important to me. As someone who also struggles with a temperamental central nervous system as well (and have had childhood trauma in navigating the healthcare system), that you share your experience is even more important to me ❤️ thank you, Mel.

[@aesal123]

Melanie, I so appreciate your bravery, vulnerability, and authenticity. Years ago, I had a similar situation with debilitating physical symptoms brought on by unresolved trauma, and after having my daughter a year ago, some of the symptoms began to come back. Like you, I have been prioritizing educating myself and managing self care with being the best I can for my girl. I’m so grateful to have you as sort of an Internet sister. Watching your videos always help me feel less isolated and alone. Always routing for you and sending your family lots of love 💚

[@sofieeeee551]

Melanie, as a nurse I am sending you so much love!!! In my work I see that it often takes a long long time for people to get diagnosed with FND so I am so happy you have an answer 🙌🏻

[@melaniemurphyofficial]

I was told that it’s sometimes a diagnosis of exclusion when it shouldn’t be - that it has its own diagnostic criteria! Xxx

[@anncarg8904]

😊

[@foolishlyfoolhardy6004]

Because people tend to just shunt people with it off to someone else. Neurologists shunt you off to psychiatrists and psychiatrists shunt you off the neurologists. And considering it's propensity to occur alongside physiological neurological disorders (as it is exacerbated by stress) - I think around 45% - people get lost... not to mention people don't want to hear what they're experiencing is in part a psychosomatic disorder.

[@Truerealism747]

​@foolishlyfoolhardy6004 it's highly related to autism.myself Inc late diagnosed

[@foolishlyfoolhardy6004]

@@Truerealism747 not what I mean by neurological disorders

[@jennifermarsh1260]

This is great advocacy for FND... you've explained the myriad of symptoms & sensations & the reasons in an overwhelmed & dysregulated nervous system so very well! It's so hard to explain to people, but you've done a wonderful job. 🙏👏💛

[@melaniemurphyofficial]

Ahhh, thank you 🥹 It’s incredible the power of our brains…I can’t believe some of the wild things FND can cause!

[@julzfarrow]

17 minutes in and this video has already changed my life. I keep getting full-body goose bumps from hearing you speak because I feel like you are putting words to how I've been feeling my entire life. I can't thank you enough for your vulnerability and your dedication to helping others. I'll be rewatching your video through again to make notes for my therapy session tomorrow. This has definitely unlocked a door that was bolted and barricaded shut. Thank you, thank you, thank you Mel!

[@melaniemurphyofficial]

😭😭😭😭😭😭😭❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@emilytreweek2887]

❤

[@seed8067]

I can relate to SO MUCH of what you have shared, weird health stuff, suppressed emotions made manifest, fighting perfectionism and giving from a tapped cup, the challenges of mothering littles - and how that chips away at the nerves, AND not being defined by it. It's inspiring to see you feeling better and better - and you shared so many fantastic resources. Thank you for sharing so vulnerably. Wishing you continued better health!

[@clarational]

You're videos are so comforting, Mel! Thank you! And huge Kudos to you for being vulnerable to open up about it and being so strong on this journey!!

[@TangerineHorizons]

Your honesty and transparency is astounding. Well done for sharing, it will help many people. x

[@Steffalino]

All the best for your recovery, Mel!! You are so strong, and your energy continues to touch me over the years ... don't give up, keep searching and keep sharing! Much love to you! 💝

[@rebeccapeace]

Thank you for raising awareness for this and being so vulnerable. My mother was diagnosed with this 3 years ago and she's been unwell for 20 years. She's been in the hospital on a relapse for most of this year which has been very tough and I'm so unbelievably proud of her trying her hardest when she was able. You've got this Melanie, take it all in your stride

[@georgiaellis2587]

I'm on a similar journey, pain etc and gut issues all from trauma and abuse. Pain free you is a great resource. Sending peace 🕊️

[@lornatw]

You have just opened a whole new door of possible explanation for me and definitely going to sit with someone to go through and re think everything I thought I knew. I’m scared but extremely thankful and hopeful that I’ve just found peace in explanation. Those first few seconds of the video told me I had a completely different idea what fnd is and also that perhaps I accepted labels like button collecting despite my gut feelings. I thank you Melanie for bursting a very confusing bubble for me ❤

[@katedonovan3258]

I am typically a silent viewer but I just wanted to mention that internal family systems psychotherapy changed my life. I had cyclical depression for 5 or so years and I eventually decided enough was enough and went to see a psychotherapist. We ended up doing a lot of work on the family and it genuinely cured my depression. I had no intention of discussing my family when I started, I didn’t see how it was relavent but it’s really crazy how like you said everything is so interconnected and that the body remembers and holds on to everything. I could trace so many of my beliefs, coping mechanisms, triggers, behavioural patterns back to it and once I acknowledged, understood and released them, it was like I had a whole new lease of life.

[@melaniemurphyofficial]

It makes me so so happy to read positive therapy experiences 😭💖

[@hellohello123hello]

Thank you for this video. I went through a really scary time this summer. I took care of myself well, but it was so hard. I still feel ashamed sometimes when I think about it. I wouldn't if people were more open to talk about this stuff without judging. Which you contribute to big time. Thanks for using your superpowers to do something so good.

[@ellasheridan7637]

I'm so sorry you have been struggling with this, especially for so long. I too have these experiences because of chronic health conditions. It is such a hard thing to explain to others. You are so brave for sharing and I hope you will find comfort in acceptance.

[@ConstanceDunham]

Loving this so far Melanie! You are one courageous person!!! Just had a thought, there’s an episode of Bluey called Stickbird which is great for explaining negative thoughts to little ones and how to move on from them and not let them rule you. Really great watch for the whole family, not just kiddos. I think my whole family learned something watching it and now my boys are actively using these techniques to get rid of their negative thoughts. 💕 xxxx

[@lemmings6516]

Thank you for sharing this Melanie :) I can relate so much to so much of what you say. I used almost all of my 20ies to cope with my traumatic upbringing and tbh it’s such a hard job. It feels like everytime i make progress I get placed a level up, where I have more freedom but new challenges aswell. I lost friends, the image I had of myself, the experience really humbled me. I healed from so much, gained so much insight but after some tragedies stroke in the past few years and with COVID I am currently at a stage where I am swallowing emotions again, am very numb or fearful and directly feel how everything in me is changing again. The first thing I loose in fear is my playfulness but this is also what makes me want to stay alive. I know that I need to protect myself better from knowing too much. It’s crazy as I always thought truth will heal us. In maturing I think truth doesn’t exist and only love will heal us. I need to know less about the tragedies far away to remain open and loving right here where I am and help the people that escape from the tragedies of their homes. I need myself to be playful and open, it’s the only state that makes sense to me.

[@beccagracey7837]

I know I don't know you personally but I wanted to know I am proud of you for your perseverance. And thank you for sharing things you never have before in this video. Sending you love! ❤

[@teasbian601]

My wife has FND❤ really humbling and hard. Three years into FND journey and it has brought us together and made us cry laugh and everything else. Sending so much love

[@melaniemurphyofficial]

Sending sooo much love to you both! ❤️💖❤️💖❤️

[@saoirset2887]

I’m delighted you finally got an answer Melanie! ❤❤

[@AshtheViking]

Love that you have some answers and programs and processes to help improve. I was treated like a weirdo today when I was trying to explain to a coworker how important our connection to nature is and how damaging humanity's separation is.

[@georginachard8604]

What a wonderful video Mel your vulnerability is such a gift to us! I really chimed with what you said about positive self talk and being in charge of your recovery froma depression and fatigue perspective. Around 2 years ago I breakdown into a depression, a big part of coming out of that was just being kind to myself every day, being super proud of myself for every bit of progress no matter how small. I'm so much better now! And infinetly stronger than I was before

[@elizabethr.2491]

I relate so much you have no idea 😢❤ I have dealt with post concussive syndrome from a fall that caused a concussion and that led to dysautonomia on top of the post concussive syndrome, lots of overlap with FND and nervous system dysregulation which is what I'm struggling with, with my dysautonomia. This video was so healing...just knowing someone I've looked up to since a teen talking about subjects and experiences that resonate with mine so deeply. ❤️💚 I also have been temporarily disabled with the shut down of my brain and body and your tips have helped me a lot alongside physiotherapy and craniosacral therapy. Thank you SO SO SO much Mel. 😭❤️💚 Mental health is so intertwined with our nervous systems and our physical health. I couldn't deal with my trauma psychologically until my body gave up on me and my mind became a warzone that affected my body on top of my mental health. There's always stuff :( but we can heal!! And we can recover and find healing and hope always. Thanks for your light and insight Mel ❤

[@melaniemurphyofficial]

😭😭😭😭 I wanna give you a big cuddle! 😭🥹🥹💖💖💖

[@elizabethr.2491]

@@melaniemurphyofficial vice versa!!! 🥺🥺❤️

[@Emiliemooles]

I’m so glad you have answers. Thank you for sharing. I’m struggling with anxiety and feeling lost. I keep repeating negative habits and coupling it with impulsive decisions and expecting positive outcomes. I’ve realised I have been running away from parts of my life especially relating to family. In the process I have lost so much of myself allowed anxiety to rule my life. As a result my health has suffered. Things I’m doing to help: - Leaving a job that I’m no longer happy in. Handed in my notice and now just preparing for the move from Germany back to England. - Taking time to create nourishing meals that fuel me and bring me joy (I made bolognese and it has been such a comfort whilst PMSing these last few days!) - Rebuilding my exercise regime, starting small with nightly yoga and morning dancing in my living room. Hoping to add running back in soon. - spending more time in nature and less time on my phone (struggling staying off my phone but it’s a work in progress.) It has been lovely following you over the years. I am excited to see Melanie 2.0 thrive, and for you to have a grounding, peaceful life. You deserve it! 💚💙

[@baileyspriggs4500]

Melanie, this video was a real wake up call for me. I’ve been having intense muscle pain everyday coupled with big stresses in my life. This really opened my eyes that I’ve got to slow down and take care of myself. Thank you for sharing this!❤❤❤

[@melaniemurphyofficial]

When you learn about the ways in which the brain tries to keep us safe…it’s so fascinating! And becoming angry with our bodies, afraid of our bodies, hating our bodies only makes it worse. Here’s so slowing down and taking care of ourselves ❤️

[@RebeccaJoArt]

It’s insane how much of this I can relate to - I’ve gone through many events that have affected me emotionally in a bad way and I’ve had painful, traumatic chronic issues since I was about 12… I even acquired more the older I’ve gotten… It’s incredible how much your emotions can impact your bodily functions! Emotional health and physical health go hand in hand, for SURE.

[@Marie-lv6lw]

Thank you SO MUCH for speaking about this! I´ve known for a while that my nervous system is completely shot and that a lot of my physical symptoms are related to my mental health but this really opened my eyes even more because with every second thing I went yup that´s me. And I haven´t even acknowledged a lot of these symptoms but when you look at it from a broader perspective it really makes so much sense. I´ve been dealing with severe anxiety, depression and ptsd for over ten years now since about the age of eleven or so and even though I luckily had a great counselor from the age of 14 who was also already into all this stuff and taught me early on about the body mind connection I never realized the full scope of it until I read the body keeps the score last year. That book really opened my eyes about how trauma has affected me and how absolutely shot my nervous system has been for so long lol. I used to have chronic neck pain as well, at such a young age, migraines, nausea, and tooth pain which was the worst of all. Once I had an episode of three weeks straight of migraines and tooth pain and it was hell. I am so glad to now be more aware of the nervous system and how it works so I can slowly start helping my body and brain to feel safe again. I am also going away to a clinic hopefully pretty soon because this summer has been really bad again, constant panic attacks after years of relative peace, the worst depression of my life, so many trauma flashbacks and yeah, it´s just time I take a real break away from everything and help myself heal and regulate with the help of professionals who see this stuff on the daily. But I agree, the internet is such a huge part of making people feel less alone with struggles like these, I know I felt insane for so long for experiencing these things when no doctor would listen. Thank you so much for sharing your story with it!

[@pegahsazvar]

as a person who is Dealing with extreme fatigue, PCOS, Hashimoto's disease, depression, and general anxiety disorder for past 6 years of my life, I can try and understand what you're going through, I sincerely wish hope, and pray for your health, thanks Melanie!

[@bettinak.4]

Wow I can't imagine how hard can be to just function as a human being. ❤ I send you all the love and I will pray for you!

[@pegahsazvar]

@@bettinak.4 🥹❤️💔

[@love.in.august]

the background is so cozy and calm.

[@martianaimee]

thank you so much for being vulnerable and sharing this

[@Kachi8]

Dear Melanie, I’ve been following you since the day we were both figuring out how to deal with acne and now, I feel, we’re both on the path to figuring out how to navigate through and manage our emotions, stress, reactions and, constantly, how to be, well, just happy and content. I’m glad you’re feeling better and have found the tools to help dealing with the underlying issues and are sharing your journey with us!💚 P.S. Love, love, love the Harry Potter soundtrack in the background!🤓🥰

[@uslamaskensf]

This video was just what I needed. I'm currently dealing with chronic nerve pain and health anxiety because of an overuse injury, which was caused by me never respecting my body and it's boundaries, and my perfectionism. Your body just forces you to slow down sometimes, and people react like it's a terrible thing alone. But it also forces you to reevaluate everything and prioritise. Rediscover nature, relationships, tranquility, connection to your body. I'm happy that you've managed that, and I'm hoping that I can do the same.

[@hannan5781]

I have chills watching this. I have been recovering from another bad bout of insomnia and came to some of the same revelations that you did. When I realized my brain was just trying to protect me and was not tormenting me, I was able to say thank you, just like you did. It made me cry. I was finally able to accept the pain, and then it’s slowly fizzled away. I was able to practice thanking and accepting the anxiety at night, not getting wrapped up in the whirlwind. I found the channel the Sleep Coach School very helpful, as well as the Sleep Book by Guy Meadows. They favor a more ACT like therapy model.

[@melaniemurphyofficial]

I had a bout of this the other night! Anxiety and insomnia. I did exactly that, ‘thank you brain for trying to keep me safe, but I am okay…my baby is just teething, losing sleep isn’t something I need to be afraid of because everything will be okay and I have been through so much worse, this will be over soon, you don’t need to protect me from my baby’ then Thomas kissed my face a few times and my heart rate slowed, it all calmed down…I soon fell asleep, I made myself smile to myself in the dark. Sometimes I will do breath work, sometimes I listen to Jason Stephenson guided meditations, sometimes I get up and I read 💖

[@hannan5781]

@@melaniemurphyofficial lovely! I will look up those meditations. ♥️♥️

[@jasminewallis8340]

Hi Melanie. I can't tell you how grateful I am for sharing your health journey this year. I'm so sorry that you have had to go through the darkest moments but I'm so glad to see you coming out the other side. There is so much of this that I relate to. I'm currently in a huge health crash. I was completely fine in January and then February onwards it just got gradually worse. My only diagnosis so far is POTS. The past 5 days I have also had widespread pain all over my body. My fear has already kicked in and I've already assumed that I now have Fibromyalgia, but I need to not jump to that scenario straight away. I've decided to go down the functional medicine route, which I know isn't as much of a thing here in the UK compared to America, but I'm really excited. I think a huge amount of what I'm going through is nervous system/trauma/stress related, and I've recently signed up to the Primal Trust nervous system regulation progamme. There are so many amazing recovery stories out there. I agree, the forums are actually overwhelmingly negative and have actually played a huge part in making me feel so much worse. In my mind, ok there is no 'cure' to POTS and Fibro for example, but as I understand it, that just means there's no specific pill or medication that can take it away. But I cannot just except that this is my reality...for the rest of my life?! There are people who recover from these things all the time. I think the hard part is knowing it's going to be a long journey. But I will not stop fighting and working on myself to get back to who I was before. Sending you so much love!

[@jenniferflower9265]

I have this same thing. Somatic yoga has helped me sooooo much. It’s very hard going through it when the symptoms start coming on. And such a relief when a diagnosis makes sense. Good luck to your journey getting out.

[@melaniemurphyofficial]

Do you have flare-ups often? I will definitely look into that - regular yoga and yoga nidra have both been fantastic! X

[@jenniferflower9265]

@@melaniemurphyofficial I do. When I first started healing, I had them often. I can can relate to what you said about the brain doing scans to check and see if there is still a threat. The flares became less and less and further between them. I still have a bit of symptoms left but are way way more manageable. I had a yoga therapist describe what this is as a trauma reflex or the medical term as functional neurological disorder. Same difference. I like looking at it through the lens as a trauma reflex as there’s so many more things to do to heal it.

[@tvbrain22]

i am so glad your channel exists. 🥰

[@Saltysaltire97]

Your video came up on my recommend. I don't know you and watched the full video, but I'm so proud of you for being so open and vulnerable about your mental health /physical health journey. ❤

[@melaniemurphyofficial]

🥹❤️ thank youuuuuu!

[@TheCakeOfDeath]

I teared up many times during this video (pretty much every time YOU teared up ;DD) and I'd say that the biggest value I get from watching you over the years is not the fact that you achieve things (although, that is so fun too!), but that you are doing your absolute best to be a HUMAN! Like, actually living a human life!! Instead of being fake and distanced and perfect and numb to to the whole range of human emotions just to be "safe". It's devastating to see so many people just being their fake comfortable facades to the point where they are not even aware of themselves or the world around them. We seem to have become so terrified to feel. Perhaps because we have been so traumatized. But life is meant to be felt! There is no joy without hardships. There is no courage without fear. It makes me so happy and hopeful that you are TRYING!!! Your absolute fking best! And that also includes trying not to try (when the body tells you to chill ;D). Your storytelling is wonderfully captivating. ♥Thank you for sharing yourself!!!! ♥♥I think that everyone who has an open heart (or is in the process of reopening it) and is watching your journey, can't help but feel more encouraged to resolve their baggage as well. It helped us survive, but now it's preventing us from thriving. To get to the light, we MUST look into the darkness as it has so much to teach us. It's all for us. The body and the mind just wants the very best for us. And so we need to listen to it. To learn from it. To honor it. To love and cuddle it. May we be well, may our hearts be filled with joy. Breath in... breath out. Love ♥

[@melaniemurphyofficial]

😭😭😭😭😭😭💖

[@hannahmonsoon659]

This sounds so horrible, I'm so sorry you're experiencing this. Sending you lots of love

[@fleurmp3820]

Wishing you all the best ❤ Also a big hug to mums doing it all - motherhood is amazing + incredibly demanding xxx

[@ChronicGoblinQueen]

I'm so glad you're talking about this! I had a weird episode about a year ago and was told "we can't know more unless it happens to you more" whoch was super frustrating. Well a few more episodes later (plus some seizures), I've had an EEG and am currently waiting for the results, fingers crossed it shows SOMETHING and they can help me 🤞🏻

[@erika_ebent]

Gosh I can relate to this. Mom of four, lots of childhood trauma and estranged relationships with my parents. My mom died of pancreatic cancer seven years ago. Now, my dad just told me he has stage 4 lung cancer that was diagnosed last NOVEMBER. So yeah, I’m also going through it. My shoulders have manifested all my issues it seems and I’ve been in physical therapy for months now, getting loads better though! And in PT she recommended the body keeps the score, and various therapies that can help. So grateful for good providers!! ANYWAY, have you explored grounding products!? I’m trying out some grounding sheets, supposed to really help with our nervous systems!! Takes a lot of stress off the body. I’m so glad you’ve come so far! This is all fascinating to me. Thanks for sharing with us, and I hope you continue to improve! ❤

[@melaniemurphyofficial]

That’s a LOT my love! ❤️❤️ Relate on the dad with lung issues, my dad has pulmonary fibrosis. It’s gotten worse so he’s been offered some very new and expensive medication that we are really hoping will prolong his life…he’s my best friend. That’s weighed on me a lot, as we lived with him when it started to get worse (he now lives in a house attached onto our house!). I haven’t yet but only because we have a private garden so I can very easy ground! Xxx

[@erika_ebent]

@@melaniemurphyofficial ugh man, watching our parents age is just really tough!!! And medical costs are awful. Hope you guys can swing it and that they work for him! That’s also amazing that he can live with you guys, mine is 5 hours away. (Which isn’t far really, just a pain!)

[@russshh]

I want to recommend acupressure mats, I feel like mine has really helped with my anxiety. I just got the cheapest one (35€), some can be really expensive but it's basically the same stuff (just way out of my budget)

[@_elfifle_]

Thank you for sharing your story, Melanie, and sorry you went through Long Covid too. My journey started in March 2020 and lasted throughout '21 and '22. I believe I had underlying issues with my nervous system regulation due to unresolved childhood trauma, and Covid was the drop that made the bucket spill over. I cannot imagine having had a little one to take care for during that time as well, especially when being a perfectionist/type A/people pleasing personality. Stress was and is also my biggest trigger. Dr. Sarno's work (and other books and videos on healing trauma and the nervous system, such as your recommendations) really helped me understand why I was having all these mental and physical all-over symptoms. And most of all, let go and give myself time, letting go of things that didn't serve me, even if that meant letting others down (which was HARD but had to be done, it was so triggering that I feel like I didn't have a choice). Basically becoming a new person through brain retraining and therapy, becoming an actual healthy, functional person. Becoming chronically ill has finally taught me to take care of myself, respect my body, and put myself first. It also allowed me to heal from CFS, POTS, and fibromyalgia I developed during Long Covid. I'm glad you found your way out and feel better! ❤‍🩹

[@melaniemurphyofficial]

😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 what an INCREDIBLE story! Thank you thank you for sharing! Every story like this shared has a ripple effect!

[@captainstefanie]

So much of what you said in this video mirrors my own experience. I’m American and in 2018 I began forgetting 90% of every conversation I had. If I stopped midway through a task, I wouldn’t remember to start it back up until hours later, and sometimes never. I was 35 and terrified I had some really, really early onset cognitive disorder. The reason I mentioned being American is because after two or more years of exposing myself to every bad piece of news not only from this country, but around the world, I think my brain just short circuited for a while. I felt I had a responsibility to witness all the atrocities happening.

[@melaniemurphyofficial]

I feel this so hard. Avoiding the news has been a big part of my recovery! How are you now?

[@captainstefanie]

@@melaniemurphyofficial It took me a while to get over the guilt of disconnecting from the daily onslaught of news. But the fact that disconnecting really did clear up my extreme brain fog helped me to accept that it was the right thing for me to do.

[@abnelson2128PrimaryAccounts]

I was diagnosed with it as well and I know how scary and overwhelming it can feel! You're not alone! ❤

[@hugablestpersonever]

Thank you so much for making this video. I'm currently training as a psychologist and we've not covered FND (yet), but getting these resources and your experience really helps give me insight and things I can pass onto future clients. I've always loved your videos and you talking about your experiences with mental health just goes to show while you can have these experiences life can still be amazing. Well done Melanie!

[@creativereindeer]

Wow thanks for sharing - already I can see how much this video is gonna help folks from the comments section. Thank you.

[@beaucrawley1191]

I have the EXACT same issues as if it was me speaking about myself!! I was diagnosed with ADHD last year ❤ changed my life ❤

[@melaniemurphyofficial]

I have been told to get assessed for that in person! BetterHelp think I have it too! Xx

[@claudiajade624]

I am also a mum of a 2 yr old daughter. Early on to the Gaza tragedy I happened across a video on Instagram with No warning of a man holding his dead seven year old daughter. Obviously I was horrified, and couldn't get the image out of my mind for days. Ever since then I have Unashamedly avoided Any of the visual coverage related to women and children (and tbh avoided most of it generally, whilst keeping somewhat abridged of major facts, ie by reading ABC News stories, but never watching videos etc). It is just too much, and too close to home. And as u say, ppl say 'we must bare witness' but it is Not healthy to do that all the time, and not by visually watching/second hand experiencing that trauma yourself. Especially when there is literally nothing you can do. It is so out of our power and sphere of influence. There is being informed, and then overwhelming yourself with the pain and horrors of those around the world.

[@lynncrf]

Yes, I can relate. I saw a lot of footage of October 7th by accident as I knew nothing about the conflict beforehand. It was horrific and has stayed with me forever. This war could have been over a year ago but no just needless torture and suffering for children and the hostages.

[@FrankskinOrweed-ep4ij]

@lynncrf You just couldn’t help poking your lying head up, could u? Nobody forces others to commit INTERNATIONAL WAR CRIMES u absolute muppet! Grow a moral compass, try to!

[@FrankskinOrweed-ep4ij]

OP I’m the same you guys. It’s been horrible and the sense of powerlessness we feel, normal ppl don’t get desensitised! What’s been striking is the overt bias (due to ownership and censorship of the mainstream press) and also how horrid some ppl are I won’t forget ppls complicity and justification for this demonic targeting of majority child region!

[@jaimiesam16]

Thanks for this video! It’s so interesting hearing you talk about this. I went through some bad insomnia awhile ago and I used those same techniques, it’s amazing how much it can really help just to take away that element of fear.

[@fannygustafson9220]

Thank you for sharing ❤️ It was really helpful. You put so much effort in your videos and editing. Happy that you are feeling better. You look so healthy and beautiful.

[@AshlaSue]

Not watching the news and not seeing everything that is happening in the world is such a privilege, I know this, but I also cannot watch it all the time. Like you said, our brains are not wired to know all of this information all of the time and to know that it's not happening on our own doorstep. I still stay aware of what is happening, but I have not watched the news in a very, very long time just so that I can keep my own life on track. I don't take for granted that this is an option for me when other people don't have this option. My heart breaks for those people.

[@daphnewouts4453]

This video resonates with me so much. I have experienced a lot of physical symptoms throughout my life and psychotherapy has been the no. 1 thing that has helped me, combined with ACT-therapy. When my son was born, I experienced horrible insomnia as well. I too feared my bed, the nights and the anticipation of being woken up multiple times. It was so bad, that I hardly slept in between feedings. It was so terrible. Someone who has helped me so much with insomnia is Daniel Erichsen. On KZbin and in his books he teaches about insomnia and how it's often based on anxiety, hyperarousal and fear attached to not sleeping. Educating myself about how it's all connected, and listening to all the recovery stories has been so helpful.

[@AliB2412]

A lot of things to think about! Thank you for sharing your experience and being vulnerable. Sending you positive energy ❤

[@chasingpunctuation]

Thank you so much for drawing attention to a few of the things Covid can do to your body!! So many people are ruining their health insisting that it’s ’just a cold’ in total denial of how badly it can disable you

[@melaniemurphyofficial]

I think we all want to believe that it’s just a cold so we can get through the day without fear…and because for so many it IS just a cold! But for so many it’s the straw that breaks the camel’s back 💔 Or something their specific body simply can’t handle. Viruses suck. But we must coexist with them.

[@chasingpunctuation]

@@melaniemurphyofficial it’s true that it doesn’t hit some people as hard but the research shows that it’s definitely not a cold and is more in line with viruses like HIV amongst other very serious illnesses. I think for some it feels like just a cold but the terrible damage silently happening inside does seem to be catching up with most people eventually after repeated exposure. Of course, we’ll know more about the effects long term over the coming years but I truly think so many people are in serious denial about how bad things are with Covid rn, or simply just not aware of the effects as the facts have become this big politicised thing

[@cal1id897]

@@melaniemurphyofficial saying we "must" coexist with them means nothing, especially to the millions of people who have died. What we "must" do is to discuss the level of care we are willing to show our community, and act according to our values, by using the tools available to us to stop further transmission and mutations. The fallout of death and disability is a direct result of people having the attitude that it's pointless to try to mitigate the damage they cause to others.

[@isobelf1837]

@@cal1id897 It’s nice to see someone mention this. We need to be masking consistently and cleaning the air. Life pre-2020 is long gone and most people haven’t even started to grieve/process it.

[@MaysMoonDays]

loved this video so much, its so amazing to hear honest life updates, as someone struggling with health wth no diagnosis there are so mny good tips in here, wishing you health and keep posting x

[@malinasilvestru5913]

This has helped so much❤ thank you for sharing, for people like me, dealing with similar situations, it sparks so much hope!

[@DessMelissa]

That is so relatable and such a modern thing, balancing being a citizen of the world and your own personal capabilities. It’s hard to want to be informed because even that small step helps the world a tiny bit and to not be able to really do anything. Like the best we can do most of the time is talk about the issues that we care about with other people and even that can be challenging and present its own set of barriers that build anxiety. That mention of needing something to happen to make you slow down and treat your body right,live slower, and tune in more, that mindfulness that actually helps with the neurological symptoms, that made my brain go “that’s what happened when you broke your wrist” and you know what I think it is. I had been going at a speed that was not conducive to my health and I felt like I couldn’t do anything on my days off, I couldn’t keep house or have fun cause all I could do was rest. So I’d pile all my work onto days when I already worked and I’d be stressed if one little thing went wrong and then my boss quit and I had to take over her job then I was moving house where I slipped and fell and hurt my entire left side then I hit my wrist against the corner of a metal counter and continued to work that night and the next day till about 5 days later when I was rushing around doing heavy manual labor at work and smashed my same hand a wrist in between a metal box and a metal shelf and then continued to work cause I didn’t want to leave anyone high and dry. Only to find out when I went to the doctor (cause I couldn’t really move my fingers) that I most likely broke something and they splinted it. Which was not the case but resulted in me not being able to work for about a year. And then when I came back I had a boss who really cared that I didn’t over do it since I’m apparently fragile and I’ve kept that lifestyle up. I work half the week rest and manage the home the other half and sometimes it’s stressful still but overall I’m more aware when I need a break, I get sick less, I have only severely injured myself once (which is a record low for me) in the last year. My TMJ, my Tendinopathy acts up less. All of this stuff that I didn’t even realize I had trained myself to do over the years like appreciating that even just laying in bed is rest even if it’s not sleep, it’s so nice to hear how the reasons they helped! Paying attention to your body is so important and I must remind myself in the future. Thank you for sharing! 💚

[@SpottedTiger89]

Another great video, Melanie... I am a therapist and I learn things from your videos all the time! I will have to check out that book, mind body prescription! So glad you found a path towards healing ❤

[@annabelyates5219]

Oh dear, this hits a bit close to home. I think might be time for some changed... Thank you for raising awareness, Melanie! 💖

[@anEllenJamesian]

Brilliant take-aways (talk to yourself like you would to a good friend & don't spread yourself too thin) - I bet a lot of us had to learn this the hard way. I hope this helps a lot of people. Very empowering!

[@melaniemurphyofficial]

🥹✨✨✨✨✨✨

[@haileycooper6252]

This is very educational. Thankyou for sharing. I have never heard of this condition and also never thought about physical and mental health being connected but it makes so much sense. I hope you're feeling much better soon and you get the help you need. Please contine sharing about it if your able to.

[@croczrule]

I would love to hear updates about your IFS journey! I use it and find it so helpful, especially as someone obsessed with stories and characters ✨

[@SadieeeSweeet]

I dont have FND. But, i have crohns disease and i had major emergency surgery in 2017. For a year after, i bad panic attacks and sooo many symptoms came out. It really triggered me to rhink about how i was living my life. I stopped over working, i stopped people pleasing, i processed my trauma, i stopped masking my personality traits i thought people found weird, i stopped wearing make up and dressing up every day to create this fake persona. It changed my life. I am free!

[@melaniemurphyofficial]

😭😭😭👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@emilytreweek2887]

IFS really helped me in the past! Another book that springs to mind while you were talking was Dan Siegel… parenting from the inside out. I had to take it real slow and see a therapist as well because it brought up so much pre memory trauma I hadn’t been aware I had. May not be such an issue for you if your anxiety started at 7 though. (FND diagnosed February this year). Thanks for sharing your story and resources, you make me feel more positive about my diagnosis now ❤

[@lemmings6516]

This video made me want to go out and jump on the trampoline until I’m out of breath :) and that’s exactly what I’m gonna do now. Thanks Mel

[@melf8609]

I’ve always found that we’re very similar in a lot of ways and I just started reading the body keeps the score. It’s very comforting to hear someone’s similar experiences. Thank you for being so vulnerable and honest 💕 -Also named Melanie lol

[@melaniemurphyofficial]

Hello life twin!!! 💖💖💖

[@clairannejackson1581]

A video has never resonated with me more than this one ♥thank you for sharing your experience

[@TheMasymoo]

Thank you for this video - wow. That hit me deep and felt like a revelation in so many ways. I need to go away and do some research, do the work, and listen to my body. I often finish your videos motivated to make changes in my life (not that it always happen). Thank you for sharing your experience and always being so honest on this weird place that is the internet. It has a genuine impact. Good luck learning how to live with this/heal from it💚

[@FrauSjoeblom]

So lovely to see you Melanie ♥️ I’m glad you found an answer! This was such an interesting video. I’d love to hear you talk more about craniosacral therapy. I loved Ginny’s theme in the background. Always looking forward to your next video 💚

[@JodieGrievelovescats]

So far a very relatable video, though I'm 25 so mainly in the IBS phase of my childhood trauma :o I'm only 10 minutes into the video but I hope you touch on somatic therapy! It's been super helpful for me :)

[@melaniemurphyofficial]

I definitely have been doing a lot of somatic stuff without calling it that! (And craniosacral as I mentioned oh my GOD it’s helped so much! I go in and sob and sob! 😂) xx

[@JodieGrievelovescats]

@@melaniemurphyofficial anything that helps me get into my body after being in my head for 25 years is great!!

[@SpringSpark]

I have been working at a very stressful company for 2 years. As an immigrant, I couldn't just quit, but as soon as a possibility arrived, I switched jobs. I was handling the stress, I was eating, exercising, sleeping, I was doing fine. But I knew that this job majorly messed up my brain. And I knew that I will have to pay for the nonstop stress, either with mental or physical health. So I left. Whatever you think you are handling, your body has a different opinion. Everything in life will have consequences. Don't adapt to the harmful conditions, unless it's necessary.

[@mariemaier5630]

The book that has helped me the most with anxiety and I read heaps is " When things fall apart" it was written by a buddhistic none. I have ordered all her other books now. They are truely life changing. Anxiety is also something what many women struggle with as it also has a lot to do with oestrogen flactuation. Some women get better when the take hormonal contraception others get worse. It definitely makes sense to keep a record on when during the cycle anxiety gets worse. For excess thirsty and urination at night Vitamin B 5 can help some. But I don't recommend long term supplementation with a single nutrient, short term a good option to try. I don't eat breakfast until 11 am but I take one electrolyte after getting up on the morning and before bed just to get my hytration up to a healthy level. For women approaching or already in menopause HRT can help with anxiety and overall wellbeing. Coffee can increase anxiety much more than most people believe. It can actuality cause panic attack for sensitive people.

[@sandymuggins]

Great video Melanie! In the same boat..I had COVID 3 years ago and my whole body crashed! All the same symptoms as yourself. 3 years on I'm recovering well, I started the non processed food diet and cut my symptoms in half. My lungs have been the worst symptoms with the pins and needles / pain. I'm off all the Lyrica thank goodness ( it messes me up ) last specialist appointment soon to have a camera in lungs to see how far I've come in my recovery. Your videos have really helped and supported me..thank you and continue to heal & be well 🙏🐝🌀

[@toni5543]

Thank you. this is an important video and it will help others. i love your attitude and approach, i think you are a very healthy content creator to consume, we learn so much from your experience. I have EDS, am autsitic/adhd, and am experiencing what looks like FND too, though i can see symptoms from childhood. i am so glad that you are feeling better. i learn alot from you and i look up to you alot. your awesome and i want to be like you when i 'grow up' (im 28 lol). THANK YOU from across the pond in scotland

[@melaniemurphyofficial]

I’ve been encouraged by BetterHelp to get an in person assessment for adhd! Two BetterHelp therapists now have told me they are sure I have the inattentive type! Xxx ❤️

[@Truerealism747]

I am to now diagnosed autism ADHD heds fybromyalgia cfs OCD the autism is the causation rccx theory

[@Kkurtcocainee]

This was so helpful! Been following you for such a long time, and it feels like your vulnerability and the things you speak about line up with just what I need to hear! I hope everything goes well, you are and have always been an inspiration 🫶🏻

[@katierobertsart5658]

Thank you Melanie, great topic and video. I have been going through some health stuff this last week or two... it's been very different to what you're describing in some ways and similar in others. It's so important to be mindful of all of this. Best wishes and wellness to you sweet beautiful human. Xx

[@briarrosette]

Thank you so much for sharing your FND story. It’s so nice to have someone so well known spread the word about this condition. I am so sorry you experienced this, as I know from personal experience how scary FND can be. Your story is so similar to mine. My symptoms were: Tremors of the hands, legs, and tongue, full body tingling and numbness of extremities, strong muscle twitching and spasms, horrible electric body shocks, fatigue, brain fog, and the craziest thing is I would develop symptoms that were identical to real medical conditions, even though I had never heard of them. For example, I would feel like I had every possible pinched nerve disorder. Cubital tunnel, carpel tunnel, thoracic outlet syndrome, meralgia paresthetica, tarsal tunnel, etc. The only one of those I had ever heard of was carpal tunnel. But then I’d get symptoms and google them and they would line up exactly with the other conditions. It’s just so wild to me how my body could produce something I had no knowledge of! I was in ungodly amounts of pain all the time. I also do all these weird OCD things inside my mouth. Not exactly like your cheek chewing, but I chew my tongue and click my throat and squish my tongue around on the padding beneath it lol. Luckily, I’ve gotten to the point where everything is manageable now and, like you, I’ll have little flare ups or moments of issues that quickly go away. Still have daily pain, but it’s much more bearable.

[@dominique8230]

Someone once told me something that forever stuck with me: "Pain is always mental". Pain is produced in the brain, not in the body part that is hurting. That's why we can take pain medication and go through horrendous things without feeling it. It pain impulses always originate in the brain. So pain is always mental, always valid, no matter if the cause is physical or mental as well.

[@danielamiguens]

Sweet sweet Melanie, I'm 7 minutes in, crying my eyes out because you're kind of describing my life... the cheek bitting, neck and shoulder pain (from tension)...

[@melaniemurphyofficial]

Hugs hugs hugs! ❤️ WE ARE NOT BROKEN xxxxx

[@danielamiguens]

@melaniemurphyofficial congratulations on this amazing and informative video Melanie, having watched it all now. Congratulations and thank you 🩷

[@zoyailboya]

Thank you so much for this. So much of this video has made me feel less alone, it’s actually a little terrifying how much of what you said has been my exact experience. This last year I’ve also had a full breakdown both mentally and physically. My body completely gave up on me and it was terrifying how it forces us to listen when we’ve been ignoring it for so long. I’m now left with long term symptoms as well and my already existing disabilities are a little extra spicy now. The amount of things that started to pile up, I started to question myself and my sanity. Seeing a neurologist was so helpful also. Thankfully confirming it wasn’t MS, but also validating my pain. I also have been disregarded by medical professionals for SO long. I ended up having to have a whole body MOT essentially. That whole system needs to change 😔 It was a build up of years, and not my first sadly. Hopefully my last. Im from Jordan and Wales, my dad was born in Nablus and my grandparents in Ramallah. The guilt we feel is immeasurable, no matter what we do to try and help. The guilt is REAL. It’s comforting knowing we have such a beautiful massive community of empathetic humans who feel the same way about everything happening in 🍉. I’m finally now starting to prioritise my mental health and trying to take care of my body better, to listen to the intrusive thoughts and letting them pass, instead of ruminating. It’s a process, but it can feel extremely isolating, so thank you for sharing this 💙

[@melaniemurphyofficial]

I highly highly recommend @painfreeyou on here go down a rabbit hole of his videos and please let me know if they bring any relief! Xxxxx

[@zoyailboya]

@@melaniemurphyofficial thank you so much! I have begun my adventure down the rabbit hole 💙🙌🏼

[@ericagreene1579]

Thankyou for this video Melanie, I've been struggling with some health stuff and I find it really hard to actually go to the doctors cos of adhd and anxiety. This video helped me to really focus on advocating for myself and get some answers.

[@agapifreelove]

I clicked on the video because I was worried about you, and by the end of it I was worried about me😅 Did I cry when you said you're proud of us? Yes! Yes, I did. I will definitely try some of the stuff you mentioned and work on them. Thank you❤

[@miamirabel]

Thank you Melanie! ❤

[@NezziieFF]

Perfect timing for this video ❤ I've been feeling that my health is declining, especially my mental health so last monday i took 2 weeks off from work. Nothing planned, just wanna do stuff that i enjoy and hopefully it will help with the burnout ❤ i got a cold the first week so i took things a bit slow (i guess my body was begging me to take the time off anyway hahaha) but today i feel back to normal and still have a week left. I wanna use this remaining week to focus on a new me and try to break the cycle. Congrats on your progress, Melanie, hopefully I'll be there soon ❤

[@lynncrf]

Very serendipitous that this video came up 1.5 weeks into my Nicole Sachs journey.

[@melaniemurphyofficial]

I will look into her! 💖

[@caoimhemulholland231]

Such an interesting video Mel! Thank you for explaining things so well. I'm about to do a Masters in Neuropsychology so this is SO up my alley. You mentioned past childhood experiences and neuroplasticity - those two are absolutely interlinked! I'm sure you've done lots of reading and know where to find all the solid info but we know that harmful events in childhood can inhibit certain neural connections developing. BUT in that same sense, the brain is never constant and is an ever-changing organ. There's lots of focus now too into lifestyle or social 'prescriptions' over pharmacological for neural or psychological disorder - pretty cool that we have the power to in a way treat ourselves once we have the info we need :)

[@catherinedamico4596]

I’ve been experience weird symptoms my whole life that were unexplained. IBS, pain after eating certain foods, epigastric pain for days causing nausea and vomiting, I get sicker than everyone else around me with colds and stomach bugs. They did not line up correctly with any disorder. Turns out I have a rare condition called congenital dorsal pancreatic Agenesis confirmed with a contrast MRI last week. Make sure to be your own advocate and don’t leave the ER until you get checked out properly so many doctors have blown me off as crazy over the years. This is something I should not be finding out at 37yo.

[@barbettecaravaggio7675]

So, so much of what you describe has happened to me. The eating disorder, the anxiety attacks, the physical symptoms (the burning, tingling, breathing, heart rate, insomnia, neck and muscle pain: all of it). It also happened after the birth of my daughter, and many traumatic experiences, when covid hit and my mother got cancer, and then my dad got cancer, it all just exploded. I am listening to your story and find myself nodding all the way through!!! And yes, I too found the body keeps the score, and Dan from Pain free you, and I too went through the MRI's, the chest x-ray, the blood test, the neurological assessments. All to find out it is "an inside job", psychologically so to speak. Wow. How far we both have come. I too, also still get flares, but what helps is that I can now "talk them down", exactly as you describe, thanking your brain/body for trying to keep you safe. In the end, it's been HELL, but all of this has taught me so much about the body and nervous system. Much love from the Netherlands

[@melaniemurphyofficial]

I WISH I COULD HOLD YOU FOR A LITTLE CUDDLE/CRY!!! 😭😭❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@barbettecaravaggio7675]

@@melaniemurphyofficial !!! ♥♥♥♥