Parkinson Disease: Coping with Your Emotions

Losing control over your body can not only be frustrating, but it can also trigger many emotions, such as sadness, anger, or depression. You may not feel like or be able to do activities you used to. You may even feel embarrassed and stop seeing friends. These feelings are normal. It's important to accept and work through those feelings in a positive way. Staying active and involved can help. Friends, family, and community groups can also offer support.

Spending time with friends and family can ease stress and help you feel more like yourself.

Stay involved with others

You may not always feel like being social. But it’s important to stay engaged with others. Family and friends can keep you company, offer advice, or simply make you laugh. Community and faith-based organizations can also offer ways to stay involved. Joining a Parkinson support group is another option. This lets you share thoughts and feelings with others who are going through the same things as you. Meeting with others who have the same condition can also help you find out about other ways to cope.

If you feel depressed

It’s normal to have days when you feel down. Not being able to do all the things you used to do can be discouraging. Often, these feelings come and go over time. Parkinson disease may also cause changes in the brain that lead to depression. So if you find yourself feeling hopeless, tired, or sad most of the time, talk with your healthcare provider. These feelings may be signs of depression, which can be treated with medicines and therapy. If you feel suicidal, seek medical care right away.

Call 988

If you are in a crisis or have thoughts of suicide or self-harm, call or text 988 right away. This is the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You will be connected to a trained counselor you can talk to. You can also chat with them at 988lifeline.org/chat. The 988 Lifeline services are free and available 24/7.