Apathy is a known effect of low dopamine levels. Before I was diagnosed I would have days when I would just sit almost like a statue. It can be misconstrued as depression whereas you may be undermedicated for the Parkinsons. I suppose it could lead to depression eventually.. Stress also exacerbates PD symptoms
Fortunately I had had a similar experience before my underactive thyroid was diagnosed when I used to say that my starter motor had gone and resorted to alcohol (I am not a drinker at all normally) to get myself going each day. My self-esteem was rescued if I could manage one useful thing a day..
Please do phone the PD UK helpline - nummber just above the search box at the top of this page. They offer a very wide range of sujpport both psycholigical and practicall..
I can only echo the previous 2 messages. I have telephoned the helpline here on several occasions and spoken to a PD nurse and found it very helpful ! It would be great if you could do that today.
Believe me I know how crushing depression can be but making the call today would be the first step away from that. It has to start with a small step. If everything feels like it's tied up in knots then just start with one knot at a time. Try not too fix it all at once, that would overwhelmed anyone with or without PD.
I can't stress the importance of exercise. Before my diagnosis I taught yoga full time, so I've been a pretty physical person for a while. After diagnosis I stopped my yoga self practice and all other exercise and fell into a deep depression. Also in that time my physical symptoms got much worse! Then in May this year I returned to the gym, and gradually over the summer started yoga and swimmming again. I also thought it would be a good idea to start something new, so I started pilates. I can't tell you how much help this has been. It brings structure back to my life so I can manage the feelings of emotional chaos, and that sense that PD has taken control from me. I firmly believe exercise helps with the symptoms of PD.
But I also understand that when our mood is low just popping to the corner shop feels like climbimg a mountain! You might need some help before you can get to the gym, or on your bike or whatever exercise you are drawn to. As the previous messages suggested, a look at your medication might help, and/or some councelling.
In the meantime, Beverley if you can try not to heap too much expectation on to yourself at this time. your diagnosis is still recent, please try not to give yourself a hard time as it will take time to absorb the news. Be kind to yourself :)
Good Morning! Blue sky and sunshine here at the seaside near Hove! Thank you so much for your kind words and suggestions, I am feeling much better today, tired but then thats normal....but I realise that exercise etc. is what I need to get on with, hopefully I will get to grips. I have used the PD UK helpline before and prob will do again, sometimes I just think that I am bothering people, and after having so miuch counselling myself, it sometimes gets difficult going over the story. I did meet with my husband's family yesterday and it was fine. Where do you live? AberW, Scott? I really need to meet with younger PD people, I am a mere 58! My PD Nurse says he classes me as a young onset.
I wish you all a wonderful day wherever you are!
PS Watching my fav show STRICTLY on Saturday eve gave me a boost! I need to get dancing again.
Hi I'm 56 and also called young onset , I find daily dog walk in country park very beneficial to my mood even if it's more of a stagger! Can see improvement in my stamina . Also glint to exercise class organised by local support group,
you need to get out and socialise even if it's shopping at local shop or you'll go stir crazy ! At least I will
So pleased Het that today you are feeling somewhat better.
Please never think that you are bothering people. And don't think that you would be a nuisance if you asked for more counselling. Therapists of all ilks realise that some need to travel back through past traumas and issues many times. This is about you and your needs.
I hope you do find other PD bods in Sussex. I'm in London.
Had lunch on park bench today with two friends and watched people enjoying the sun whilst they picniced on the grass - amazing weather for last week of october.
warm regards to one and all and keeep on keeping on and enjoying each mo
Glad to hear you are feeling better Beverley. I hope everyone has had a good day. Great weather for October!
I lived in London for 15 years, then moved to Bristol in 2010, then moved back to London in March.I lived in Brighton for 6 months back in 2001. Itt was nice to live by the sea.I grew up in Devon. I've moved around a bit over the years, bit of a gypsy I guess.
I was diagnosed in September last year when I was 37
I am sitting here in tears having read through these posts and can hardly see what I am writing. My husband was diagnosed about 4-5 years ago with PD but when we look back he had probably had it about 11 years, he is now 48 so it goes back to about the same age as yourself. Our friends have been fantastic and I would also recommend a working age Parkinson's group which we have both found very helpful and I love Yoga!!. So what is the problem you may be asking? It is his brother's complete lack of empathy to our situation and my husband's lap dog like affection for his brother and taking me for granted without seeing what a horrible person his brother is, also neither of us seem able to let the relationship with his brother go. I admire you for walking away from dysfunctional relationships and wish we could do the same.
