Better Health Centre |+| Living with Parkinson Disease

Living with the early symptoms of parkinsons disease

When a person is told that they have an incurable disease, it can be one of the hardest things they have ever had to face.

A diagnosis of Parkinson's disease carries with it the sad realization that the body will never again be the same.

In stage one of Parkinson's disease, there are many common and profound psychological effects that can often be more difficult to manage than the physical effects caused by this disease.

For many patients who are first diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, their first reaction is commonly denial.

Denial can take many forms including:

• refusal to tell family and friends
• seeing specialist after specialist to dispute the diagnosis
• avoiding regular doctor's appointments
• refusing treatments

The denial period can often be made more difficult by the fact that common symptoms of early stages of Parkinson's disease include chemical changes in one's body that can cause mood disorders and depression.

Adapting to a life after being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease can involve making changes in many areas of one's life including being able to determine when help is necessary in order to live safely. 

Telling people about the illness is one way to help ensure someone will be willing to provide the help that the Parkinson's disease patient may need. It is normal for the patient to feel emotions like anger, fear, and frustration, but a strong support system will aid in the reduction of these unpleasant feelings.

Accepting and dealing with a chronic illness is a long and sometimes difficult journey. Many people afflicted with chronic disease feel it is character failure to have difficulties such as the ones chronic illness brings.

When a Parkinson's patient feels overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of the changes they may have to face, it is important for them to ask for help. A doctor can prescribe medications to help with the chemical imbalances that most Parkinson's disease patients face.

It is very important for Parkinson's disease patients to realize they are not alone in this.  There are many people who have traveled the same road, and there are many types of help available to help patients cope.  Among these services are:

• therapy
• group counseling
• support groups
• online support services

Living with Parkinson's disease can be difficult, but there is help now that was not available years ago. Take some time to explore the possibilities in your area, and never be afraid to admit you need help.