"Find Your Passion and Go For It."
"Just because you have PD doesn’t mean it is the end of the world... I have never looked back."
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Adapting to Diagnosis
Adapting to Parkinson disease can be difficult. They must adjust to having a diagnosis, recognize that their life is being changed, maintain their independence, and at the same time acknowledge when seeking help is appropriate.
Feeling helpless at times is a normal reaction to these changes and some days will be easier than others. In the process of adjusting to these changes some people can be troubled by:
- Persistent high levels of anxiety
- Intrusive thoughts
- Body self-absorption
- Hypersensitivity
- Social withdrawal
- Inability to tolerate frustration
- Anger
- Depression
Psychological support may be helpful in alleviating some of these difficulties. Facing the problems and seeking help require courage and resourcefulness. The fact that one is having difficulty is not a sign of character weakness or failure.
Adapting to Parkinson disease and it includes making adjustments over time in several areas:
- Coping with Parkinson disease
- Concerns of the spouse or partner
- Telling children
- Lifestyle and work life
- Telling Your Employer
- Going on Disability and Taxation
As the disease progresses, some changes may be necessary. Lifestyle is a personal matter and changing it requires a thoughtful assessment of what is most important about it currently, what can be adjusted, and what has to be completely changed. It is helpful to discuss possible changes with those who might be most affected - your spouse, partner, family.