Parkinson’s Disease: Coping with Your Emotions
The loss of control over your body can be frustrating. You may not feel like doing activities you used to. You may even feel embarrassed and avoid seeing friends. Although these feelings are normal, it’s important to find ways around them. Staying active and involved can help. Friends, family, and community groups can also offer support.
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| Spending time with friends can ease stress and help you feel more like yourself. |
Stay Involved with Others
You may not always feel like being social. But it’s important to stay engaged with others. Family and friends can keep you company, offer advice, or simply make you laugh. Community and faith-based organizations can also offer ways to stay involved. Joining a Parkinson’s support group is another option. This lets you share thoughts and feelings with others who are going through the same things as you.
If You Feel Depressed
It’s normal to have days when you feel down. Not being able to do all the things you used to do can be discouraging. Often, these feelings come and go over time. But Parkinson’s disease may also cause changes in the brain that lead to depression. So if you find yourself feeling hopeless, tired, or sad most of the time, talk to your doctor. These feelings may be signs of depression, which can be treated with medications and therapy.