Reading this advice - and it all came flooding back about my own diagnosis when I was in my 40’s. I’m 60 now.
I had been to see the neurologist and was still reeling. I knew nothing about PD (no family history) and my first question was about whether I’d die. It sounds stupid now, but his neurological expertise didn’t transcend into information and patient support, and I left his care that day absolutely none the wiser.
My GP sat me down and he was so lovely. His starter for ten was that he was no PD expert and that his knowledge was based on the two patients with PD on his books who were under 50. That was me and one other! A bit of a shaky start I thought.
But…He said as far as he could see, positive thinking made the best route to coping with anything in life - but even then, things would be tough. He went on to describe (generally) the difference he has seen with mental attitude to long term condition management and simply said I may still get depressed but which lens I chose to look through was up to me.
I can honestly say I’ve carried his words with me every day - including those days when I’m sad, angry or feeling sorry for myself. I feel it’s important to get those feelings surfaced sometimes - it’s not about walking around with a painted grin on.
I know too that PD is personal to everyone and that everyone is different but just wanted to share what helped me in my darkest moments. Things have been tough over the past decade or so, I often have to give myself a good talking to and my family are an incredible support - but despite the many, many challenges I’ve really come to believe in his words. I can’t think myself better, but I can think myself happier.