Hi my name is Tom and I'm a 38 year old musician and writer diagnosed last year with Parkinsons. I also have bipolar disorder. I have found the whole experience devastating, (it is for everyone but both strands of my career depend on manual dexterity) though I have found it has given me insight that I didn't have previously. That's a positive but it seems at the moment like a brutal trade off!
Due to the stress of the illness, and and an unbelievably frustrating time navigating doctors/specialists/bureaucracy (I'm in UK, and I seem to have fallen into a very pronounced gap between psychiatry and neurology.)
I have been experiencing extreme anxiety which I'm sure is affecting my symptoms. Beyond that I have been feeling aggressive and detached- I feel instinctively this is a lack of regulation in my mood, rather than anything external (apart from feelings about the PD, which are obviously in the mix).
I've suffered depression/highs in the past but never felt this level of agitation or detachment- which those around me would describe as out of character.
What I'm hoping is that somebody could share with me that they have had similar feelings, (not necessarily bipolar) but some kind of equilibrium came back or was found. I'm open-eyed as to the possibilities but could I please ask that you only share with me if you have a positive experience.
This is ongoing for me, so please forgive me if I re-post a modified version of this further down the line.
Thank you in advance for any feedback.
Tom
Hi Tomtom and welcome to the forum.
I think that you need specialised help, rather than any input from forum members, as your situation is rather unique.
Do you have a mental health social worker due to your bipolar? I only ask as one of our daughters is such a person and deals with situations such as yours on a daily basis.
Otherwise please contact the PUK helpline who can put you in touch with someone who can help.
Thank you very much Benji. I will investigate the mental health social worker. Any feedback provides much needed context. Tom
Hi Tom. I initially suffered from significant anxiety associated with my Parkinson’s. The things I have found helpful in reducing this are completing a mindfulness course, meditation, the DARE book by Barry McDonagh and regular exercise. We all respond to different things and I hope you start to feel better soon.
christine
Thanks Christine, that is so helpful. I will look out the book. Tom