If you or one of your loved ones has received a new diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, there is no doubt that you will experience a rush of feelings and questions about it, and it is normal to feel overwhelmed by the sudden influx of information and emotional turmoil. But it will be helpful to take a moment to sort out these feelings and keep the following tips and advice in mind.
The first thing to remember is that you are not alone. In the United States alone there are approximately one million people currently living with Parkinson’s disease, and every year almost ninety thousand people receive a new diagnosis. And even if you already have some experience with Parkinson’s from a relative or a friend who is living with it, a new diagnosis for yourself will still most likely come as a shock. But keep in mind that there is a passionate community of people living with Parkinson’s disease that are ready and willing to offer you support, guidance, and comfort. Your healthcare provider can most likely provide you with groups and resources, or you can search online to find groups in your area.
Adjusting to your diagnosis will also take time. It is common and to be expected that you will experience a wide range of emotions after receiving your diagnosis. Be kind to yourself and don’t expect yourself to instantly sort out your feelings and start planning a path forward. Take the time you need to understand what you’re feeling and reflect on what in your life brings you joy.
Though Parkinson’s disease is often thought of as a disease that primarily impacts movement, most people will develop other symptoms as well. While the early signs of Parkinson’s disease will include tremors, changes to handwriting, trouble moving, there can also be loss of the sense of smell, and difficulty sleeping. Over time, many people with Parkinson’s disease will experience non-movement symptoms related to their mental health, such as depression, anxiety, and apathy. If you find yourself experiencing these, it’s important to seek treatment and help with them as soon as possible, as prioritizing and maintaining good mental health is critical to your overall health and well-being.
When learning about Parkinson’s disease, it is important for you to keep in mind that everyone’s journey will be different. No two people will have the exact same set of symptoms or the same rate of progression. By tracking your symptoms as they develop you will give yourself a stronger awareness of the way in which Parkinson’s disease impacts your life and you’ll allow yourself to focus on the things that are most strongly affecting you.
There are many things you can do for yourself to manage your Parkinson’s disease, and research has shown that people with the disease who start a program of exercise early, for a minimum of two and a half hours a week, will experience a slower rate of decline and progression of the disease.