In the journey toward recovery from nervous system dysfunction—including conditions like Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), Fibromyalgia, and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS)—it’s all too common to focus primarily on physical symptoms. Yet these conditions involve more than just the body; they also affect our thoughts, emotions, and overall experience of life. This interconnectedness is a hallmark of nervous system dysfunction, a complex state that challenges both the body and the mind. Embracing this whole-system connection is essential for real healing.
For too long, stigma has kept the psychological aspects of nervous system dysfunction in the shadows. Many of us worry that discussing mental health could undermine the seriousness of our physical symptoms. But healing the nervous system means addressing every part of how it impacts us, mentally and physically, without fear of judgment. It's time to lead with this truth—because true recovery demands a balanced, holistic approach.
Why Acknowledging the Psychological Impact Matters
When we talk about nervous system dysfunction, we’re talking about the body’s central command centre. This intricate network connects our brain, organs, muscles, and even our thoughts. When the nervous system is out of balance, it disrupts not only physical processes but also mental and emotional well-being. People often describe feeling “wired,” anxious, or mentally foggy, even from minor activities. This is because an overactive nervous system shapes how we think, feel, and respond to stress.
Ignoring these psychological effects can prevent recovery. But by working with the brain-body connection, we can calm the nervous system and ease many of the symptoms that may seem “stuck.” Far from invalidating our experience, acknowledging the mind’s role in recovery gives us more control and more options for healing.
Moving Past Stigma: Embracing Psychological Recovery
One of the biggest challenges with nervous system dysfunction is the stigma around mental health. In many cases, people hesitate to mention psychological symptoms, fearing they’ll be dismissed or misunderstood. But addressing the mental and emotional aspects of these conditions isn’t an admission that symptoms are “all in the mind.” Instead, it’s about understanding that the mind and body are interconnected—and that calming the nervous system helps the entire self.
As a community, we can dismantle this stigma together. When we normalize conversations around the psychological impacts of nervous system dysfunction, we create space for everyone to explore a full range of healing strategies, without fear or shame.
Practical Steps to Calm the Whole System
Embracing the psychological side of recovery means working directly with the brain-body connection. Here are some strategies that support both mind and body:
Mindfulness and Meditation: Mindfulness brings us back to the present moment, reducing stress and fostering the body’s natural “rest-and-digest” response. Regular practice of meditation helps recalibrate the brain’s reaction to stress, offering calm and clarity.
Brain-Training Exercises: Techniques like neuroplasticity exercises retrain the brain to respond differently to pain and stress. By reshaping thought patterns, these practices can ease nervous system overactivity and promote a sense of control over symptoms.
Breathwork and Relaxation Techniques: Breath-focused exercises, such as diaphragmatic breathing, stimulate the parasympathetic (calming) side of the nervous system, shifting the body away from fight-or-flight responses and toward relaxation.
Creating Supportive Spaces and Conversations: Recovery can feel isolating, especially when symptoms affect thoughts and emotions. Sharing experiences helps normalize the mind-body aspects of recovery, reducing stigma and creating a community that values holistic healing.
Dietary Support for the Gut-Brain Axis: The gut and brain are deeply interconnected, and a balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods can positively influence mood, stress response, and overall mental clarity. Supporting gut health with probiotics, prebiotics, and anti-inflammatory foods calms the nervous system and helps balance the body and mind.
Creating a Calming Environment: The spaces we occupy play a powerful role in our nervous system’s response. A soothing environment—whether that means decluttering, incorporating nature elements, adjusting lighting, or reducing noise—can help the body feel safer and promote a state of calm.
Building a Recovery Community That Embraces the Whole Picture
Leading in recovery means setting an example of what whole-system healing looks like. Nervous system dysfunction affects the entire self, so recovery must honour that complexity.
By acknowledging and supporting the mental and emotional dimensions of these conditions, we can offer a recovery path that is hopeful, achievable, and realistic.
When we address the psychological aspects of nervous system dysfunction, we empower ourselves and others to move toward true healing. Breaking the stigma isn’t just about opening a conversation; it’s about building a culture that values every part of well-being. It’s time to lead with compassion, knowledge, and a commitment to healing every part of ourselves.
Final Thoughts True recovery from nervous system dysfunction means understanding how it affects not only the body but also the mind. These conditions reshape thoughts, emotions, and how we experience life. When we embrace this connection, we can finally approach recovery from a place of wholeness.
To all those on the journey: you are not alone, and better days are within reach. Healing begins when we stop seeing the mind and body as separate and start working with the entire system to bring balance and peace back into our lives.
Mindfulness and Meditation Reference: Kabat-Zinn, J. (1990). Full Catastrophe Living: Using the Wisdom of Your Body and Mind to Face Stress, Pain, and Illness. New York: Delacorte Press. Summary: This book is foundational in understanding how mindfulness-based stress reduction can alleviate chronic pain and nervous system dysfunction by fostering a calmer, more resilient mental state.
Brain-Training Exercises Reference: Moseley, G. L., & Butler, D. S. (2017). Explain Pain Supercharged. Noigroup Publications. Summary: This work by pain researchers explores how neuroplasticity and CBT can help reshape the brain’s response to chronic pain, offering insights for those experiencing nervous system dysfunction.
Breathwork and Relaxation Techniques Reference: Brown, R. P., & Gerbarg, P. L. (2005). “Sudarshan Kriya Yogic Breathing in the Treatment of Stress, Anxiety, and Depression: Part I—Neurophysiologic Model.” Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 11(1), 189–201.Summary: Research on breathwork highlights the benefits of diaphragmatic breathing for stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system, which can ease nervous system overactivity and improve overall calm.
Creating Supportive Spaces and Conversations Reference: Decety, J., & Lamm, C. (2006). “Human Empathy Through the Lens of Social Neuroscience.” The Neuroscientist, 12(6), 534–545.Summary: This study emphasizes the social aspect of healing, showing that support systems reduce stress and can positively affect nervous system health.
Dietary Support for the Gut-Brain Axis Reference: Mayer, E. A. (2016). The Mind-Gut Connection: How the Hidden Conversation Within Our Bodies Impacts Our Mood, Our Choices, and Our Overall Health. Harper Wave. Summary: Mayer’s book explores the bidirectional relationship between the gut and brain, providing practical advice on how diet can impact the nervous system and overall mental health.
Creating a Calming Environment Reference: Hjelm, R., & Kolarevic, S. (2020). The Sleeping Beauties: And Other Stories of Mystery Illness. Atlantic Monthly Press. Summary: The Sleeping Beauties delves into how environmental factors and surroundings influence nervous system health, particularly in people with chronic illness. The book underscores the importance of a calming environment in supporting recovery.
Nervous System Dysfunction: Reference: Clauw, D. J. (2014). “Fibromyalgia: A Clinical Review.” JAMA, 311(15), 1547–1555.Summary: This clinical review provides insight into how fibromyalgia and similar nervous system disorders affect both body and mind, making a case for an integrated approach to treatment.
The Mind-Body Connection: Reference: Sapolsky, R. M. (2004). Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers: The Acclaimed Guide to Stress, Stress-Related Diseases, and Coping. Holt Paperbacks. Summary: Sapolsky’s work outlines how chronic stress impacts the nervous system, contributing to dysfunction and illustrating the necessity of mind-body approaches in recovery.
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