Life From a New Perspective

My name is Ella, a few years ago, when I was 18, I had an accident resulting in a spinal injury and chronic illnesses that completely changed my life. In 24 hours, I went from being active and excited about the future to losing the independence and version of myself I’d always known.

One of my main conditions is Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), a rare condition caused by issues with the functioning of the nervous system due to the brain being unable to send and receive signals properly with the body. FND brings new challenges and ranging symptoms every day, such as reduced strength and limb paralysis, chronic pain, and other neurological symptoms.

After spending months in a wheelchair and relearning how to walk, I regained some independence with walking aids, constructing a “new normal” and finding ways to make things easier in a world that isn’t built for disabled people. Navigating a new way of life through a journey of lots of ups and downs.

Rediscovering life from a new perspective, I learnt that having a disability didn’t mean my life was over, it was the start of a new chapter. I developed a passion for disability awareness and being part of communities where I can use my strengths rather than focussing on my weaknesses. I now spend some time volunteering with mental health and disability charities, in addition to using my love for creativity by designing & planning content for the disability podcast ‘lABLEd’. All these spaces highlight experiences, inspiration, and support for young people and individuals within the disabled community. Being part of supportive communities has been essential for knowing I’m not alone and enabled me to build confidence with my new identity.

Over the past few years I’ve started life over navigating new experiences, environments, and challenges. But through it I’ve discovered new strengths, found supportive people, and developed gratitude for life’s simple moments. Having a focus on appreciating the small positives helps me to maintain a positive outlook of life. Even having the opportunity to spend time outdoors makes me happy, as I know making the most of my ‘good days’ gives me something to remember when dealing with the harder days.

Acceptance has been a crucial part of my journey as I’m now proud to use my walking aids instead of viewing them as an inconvenience, appreciating the independence they enable me to have. With the ability of having my own style of glitter crutches for every outfit!

A young woman with long brunette hair and wearing an olive-green outfit is next to a stone wall of ancient ruins, smiling softly with her eyes closed in the sunlight. She holds a phone and has a black crutch on her forearm. Surrounding area is filled with rustic stone and some greenery.

My Advice for Others

My advice for others is to work with your body rather than against it as pacing myself and resting has helped manage flair ups. Having enough “spoons” to make it through each day (the spoon theory analogy is used to describe the limited energy available for daily tasks, with each task requiring spoons) so asking for help is increasingly important. Learning to balance my energy and accepting when to ask for help or rest has been invaluable in managing life with chronic conditions.

Also exploring opportunities, charities, and support or finding interests for relaxation such as art can be hugely beneficial to refocus your mind, looking after your mental health is just as important as your physical health.

Never give up and know that there is always a way for everything to work out.

A young woman with long brunette hair stands in a white stone archway, wearing a varsity jacket, ripped jeans, and black-and-white trainers. She is using a black crutch on one side, with an old wooden bench in the background.

The Future

It can be easy to appear okay, but it has also been important to acknowledge that there are difficult days where the smallest tasks feel like a battle, however being surrounded by supportive people is crucial. In addition to knowing that your disability isn’t your identity but an element of who you are.

As for the future, anything is possible. I am grateful for the awareness and outlook of life my experience has given me, making me more determined to achieve my dreams and to continue sharing hope and support for others.

For More Information on FND

FND Hope: the first and only global charity for people with Functional Neurological Disorder.

FND Action: the first charity to be registered in the UK; supporting those diagnosed with a Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) and advocating for the cause on a national level.

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Life From a New Perspective – The Accident that Changed My Life