What about medications?
Do you know what you're taking and why?
The American Parkinson's Disease Association has created a simple table explaining the most widely used pharmacological treatments for Parkinson's disease in the United States. Click the link to learn!
Keeping a healthy state of mind...
Dealing with a chronic, progressive condition like Parkinson’s disease?
After a person has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s, a number of mental health symptoms may occur, including – but not limited to – anxiety and depression. According to the American Psychiatric Association (2013), “in older adults, social anxiety may concern disability due to declining sensory functioning (hearing, vision) or embarrassment about one’s appearance (e.g. tremor as a symptom of Parkinson’s disease)…” (p. 205). Research has also shown that, “there are clear associations… of depression with stroke, Huntington’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease…” (APA, 2013, p. 181). Coping with feelings of anxiety and depression on your own can be overwhelming, and at times even debilitating. With the help of a trained mental health professional, you can learn how to manage your mental health symptoms, increase your coping skills, and improve overall mental well-being.
by Veronica Pulido, MFT, Ph.D.
click the bubbles to learn more
Depression and anxiety are common in people with PD and can cause significant burden for both the person with PD, their caregiver(s), and the family. Depression can also worsen long-term outcomes for people with PD, as people who are depressed tend to withdraw from social connection, engage in less physical activity, and are less proactive in seeking professional care.
Stress management & more
In the USA, for mental health resources near you, call your County’s “ACCESS” line by dialing 211 or check an on-line phone directory for a trained mental health clinician in your area.