Being diagnosed with a chronic progressive illness like Parkinson’s disease (PD) changes your life forever. Don’t give up or give in to the disease! Today is a very hopeful time for people with PD. I hope these thoughts and observations will help you.
- Try to keep a positive attitude. Even though it can be extremely difficult, as your symptoms change and the effectiveness of medications plays havoc with your life, look for the silver lining. It’s perfectly natural to mourn the loss of function and independence for a brief time, but try not to get stuck there, wallow in self-pity, or isolate yourself from friends. If you experience any combination of these symptoms—loss of appetite, feelings of sadness, difficulty sleeping, loss of your sense of humor, a sense of hopelessness, or just feel down in the dumps—you may be suffering from clinical depression. Please! Tell your doc-tor. Even though you have every right to be depressed about your diagnosis, depression is a treatable condition. A combination of antidepressants and/or psychotherapy can help lift your spirits and give you renewed energy to keep that allimportant positive attitude. Remember: Your family and friends are not trained professionals. In fact, they may also be hurting because of your diagnosis. Perhaps they, too, could benefit from talking to someone about their fears and frustrations. Listen to audiotapes and/or read books that promote positive thinking and deliver a healing message. The public library and bookstores offer an array of these materials.
- Set priorities and focus on tasks that must be done. Tackle one job at a time. Break down activities into a series of smaller steps, and ask others to assist you with the difficult portions of the task. Avoid working or sitting for long periods in the same position. Move around periodically.
- Understand that it is common to have fluctuations in your mobility and energy levels during the day. Often, these fluctuations coincide with when you take your medications, with the most fatigue and the least mobility coming as the medication wears off.
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