Emotional Health in Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease and the continuous intake of medications can affect your emotional state. Up to 50% of people living with Parkinson’s disease experience depression and anxiety. Changes in the emotional sphere can impact the quality of life.
The diagnosis of “Parkinson’s disease” sounds frightening and mentally devastating. Living with the disease is a challenge that can bring out the best and worst in us. Like any complex situation life presents us, Parkinson’s disease often leads to frustration and irritability, to endless questions like “Why me?” and “Why do I deserve this?” but it can also make you stronger and help you feel an inner strength you didn’t know you had. At the onset of the disease, some patients do not cope well with Parkinson’s, but over time, most learn to maintain a good mood, improve their quality of life over the years, and even inspire others with their courage.
Before learning to live with Parkinson’s disease, people go through various stages of acceptance, such as shock and anger, despair and disbelief, emptiness and apathy. Some try to cope by pretending there is no problem, while others become silent and depressed. Most people, however, eventually learn to manage the disease in their own way. One way to feel confident and capable of controlling the disease is to learn more about it and the various medical and non-medical strategies to better overcome its symptoms.
Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease often fluctuate throughout the day. It is very important for you to plan the active part of your day at the time when you feel your best. Some people prefer to laugh at some awkward situations that “Parkinson’s” may cause – and this is one way to cope with the situation. Whatever strategy you use to get the most out of life, it is always important to try to communicate as effectively as possible with the healthcare professionals who help you, as well as with your friends and loved ones.
For those around you, the impact of the disease is also a challenge, and it can also increase tension in your relationships with them. Learning to live with others and with Parkinson’s disease is sometimes difficult. When emotions run high, it becomes harder to maintain open and calm communication. Children tend to handle this better, but adults find it harder to be spontaneous and frank. Consequently, adults often spend too much time and energy hiding their thoughts and feelings from others, and they make incorrect assumptions about what others might feel or think. This well-intentioned attitude, which we tend to perceive as a way to protect ourselves, ultimately has unpleasant consequences, creating barriers in communication and causing dissatisfaction with oneself.
Working with Emotions
- Be open and honest about your feelings. Talk about your emotions with the people who matter to you.
- Consult your doctor regarding the ambiguity of your emotions.
- Join like-minded communities. We will discuss this point below.
Building Strong Connections with Like-minded Individuals
Community of Like-minded Individuals – The Strongest Tool. It is one of the ways to share emotions and needs with people who can best understand you.Support members can include:
- Family
- Friends
- Neighbors
- Attending Physician
- Support Group
- Medical Community
The more like-minded people, the better. Find those who can help with basic tasks during the day (such as moving around or preparing food), those who can help reduce your anxiety and find harmony.Don’t forget to remind your support group about your needs. Often, people want to help but need guidance on how they can be useful to you.
Evaluating the Positive Aspects of Your Life
Deep reflection on the positive aspects of your life and their acceptance can change your emotional state.
- Try to believe that you are capable of overcoming any difficulties with Parkinson’s disease. Reflecting on challenging experiences in the past can instill confidence in your future.
- Simplify your daily routine. Allocate tasks that you can accomplish throughout the day according to your condition, and for more challenging tasks, you can always seek help from loved ones.
- Focus on things you can control. Being able to manage situations (when possible) will lead to reduced anxiety levels.
Developing Your Spirituality
- Focus on the core values of your life. By relying on faith in something greater, you can ease the acceptance of what you cannot control. Free your energy to resolve situations that you are able to control.
- Spirituality is different for everyone. Prayers, meditation, active community involvement—some simple ways to gain strength, inner peace, and a deeper connection with your values.
How to feel more responsible for your condition?
Learning more about Parkinson’s disease and ways to manage it will make you feel more responsible for your condition. It also means you will be better prepared to ask the right questions when talking to medical and social workers who can help you. This can also facilitate conversations about it with your friends and loved ones, without altering emotionality. It will help you make informed decisions about your treatment and practical aspects of daily life.
Don’t isolate yourself! Ask to be heard! If you have no one to turn to, call our free hotline listed in the website header. Our specialists will definitely listen to you and try to help! Always remember, you are not alone!