Parkinsons and Anxiety

Hello to all our members of the Parkinson's Community, friends, family and other folk who care. One of the most debilitating and annoying symptoms of Parkinson's Disease is anxiety. 

It flutters and hovers above you, before taking up a temporary residence in your stomach where it continues to flutter furiously and is somewhat difficult to still.Pre diagnosis, if I was feeling a little anxious, I did some intensive exercise, a swim, a run, an exercise class and as the endorphins kicked in, I was able to banish this feeling and embrace a gentle calm. This feeling lasted for the rest of the day! Bliss. 

When first diagnosed, one of my main symptoms was anxiety and it was assumed that I was suffering from stress. I tried very hard to relieve the stress but no matter how much exercise I did, it was no longer working. My GP sent me to a psychologist for treatment. She was a very wise lady with many years of experience and she promptly sent me back to my GP to ask to be referred to a Neurologist. It was then I was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease!For me anxiety was among my early indicators. 

Today, if I am entering on "off period" as a result of forgetting medication, a spike in anxiety is a warning sign. Once medicated, it dissipates. It is so important to recognise the impact stress and the resulting anxiety can have on those living with Parkinson's. These feelings amplify other symptoms. Tremor may dramatically increase, movement slows, freezing events increase, thought processes can become more confused and with this increase in symptoms , the stress increases still more, leading to even greater amplifications of symptoms. It becomes increasingly difficult to continue normal functioning. People living with Parkinson's cannot function well under pressure. Pre diagnosis, I used to thrive under pressure. 

No more. These days, I am more appreciative of a relaxed, almost lazy timeline whereby I can fit things in around my "off periods " , capitalising on these times to be as productive as I can, but taking time out as needed. 

I appreciate a few days notification for any proposed outing. I freak out if someone suggests an off the cuff unplanned event right in that moment. If I go, it is generally OK and sometimes very enjoyable and unexpected, but to avoid disaster, I have to remember to grab my many vital needs including medications. So if you have a friend or family member living with PD , please be kind and patient. Try not hurry them or put them under pressure in any way. It will impact their ability to operate and they will not be able to give their very best. 

I sometimes get very motivated to get things finalised as part of the Parkinson's Group. In my efforts to do so, I can overlook that our other members with PD , do not operate well under pressure. I, too, sometimes need a gentle reminder to avoid putting any pressure on them 

 So a firm note to a self is in order: Remember,

"Our patience will achieve more than our force. " ~ Edmund BurkeI 

really benefit from immersing myself in something I love to do to bring a sense of calm back into my life.

"Your calm mind is the ultimate weapon against your challenges ." ~ Bryant McGill.