Mental Health Support for Parkinson's Disease
““What I believed then and what I believe now, I might not put it in the same words, but you can do anything. Anything. You don’t have to follow other people’s prognostications for what life is going to be. Life’s going to be what you make it.”” ~ Michael J. Fox
The questions that come with a Parkinson's diagnosis can be so overwhelming...
Researchers haven’t yet figured out why some people get Parkinson’s Disease. It could be age, genetics, environmental factors, or a combination of these, among other reasons. On top of not knowing how it’s caused, Parkinson’s is also difficult to diagnose. There’s no single test one can take that determines whether a person is “positive or negative” for PD. There are still so many questions when it comes to Parkinson’s.
All of the questions add to the overwhelming feelings once you finally receive a Parkinson’s diagnosis. About 6 million people are living worldwide with Parkinson’s Disease. When asked about the emotions of newly diagnosed Parkinson’s patients they describe everything from confusion and despair to relief and resolve. The good news is, you don’t have to do any of it alone. There is support, resources, and community to help you through your new Parkinson’s diagnosis.
Where to Start with a New Parkinson’s Diagnosis
When you’re first diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, you’ll no doubt have a million questions. We’re here to help you sort through the emotional and mental health aspects of your diagnosis.
Here are some practical steps to prioritize your mental health:
- Get organized. Even if being an organized person isn’t your thing, now is the time to fake it until you make it. You’ll want folders for things like:
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- Doctor appointments
- Health insurance and billing information
- Lab work and test results
- Medication lists
- Treatment records
- Articles and research
- Legal documents
- Important phone numbers/contact information
- Don’t be afraid to learn about Parkinson’s Disease. Oftentimes, it’s discouraged to start a deep dive into late-night googling of a new medical diagnosis. PD is a bit different. You’ll find that the Parkinson’s community is all learning together and that the more you learn and understand about it, the better informed and less stressed you’ll start to feel.
- Build a support system. There are online Parkinson’s support groups as well as family and friends ready to help you navigate your new normal. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
- Eat healthy. Talk to your doctor about your current diet and see if there are any changes you should begin integrating. Getting those daily nutrients from fruits and vegetables just became a bit more important for your body.
- Exercise regularly – Regular exercise isn’t just a good way to lessen symptoms of movement disorders. It’s also a great way to increase endorphins and serotonin which can help to reduce stress, ease the symptoms of depression and anxiety, improve your sleep, improve cognitive function, and more!
- Talk to a therapist when you need to. Talking to a therapist is a great way to find support for a Parkinson’s diagnosis outside of your everyday circle. Keep reading to see how we can help.
Counseling can help.
A Parkinson’s diagnosis can bring unexpected changes, both physically and emotionally. Counseling provides a supportive space to process these changes and learn coping strategies for managing stress, anxiety, and feelings of grief or loss. Therapists trained in working with chronic illnesses and life transitions can offer practical tools to help with life adjustments, communication with loved ones, and building resilience. Whether it’s navigating daily challenges or planning for the future, counseling helps people with Parkinson’s maintain emotional well-being and a sense of empowerment on their journey.
Your Mental Health and Parkinson’s Disease
In a study shared with the Parkinson’s Foundation by Laura Marsh, MD, it was found that symptoms of depression and anxiety were not out of the ordinary for Parkinson’s patients. Whether the symptoms were caused by the disease itself or may be side effects of PD medications, it’s normal to feel these symptoms:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Sad
- Appetite/weight changes
- Sleep disturbances
- Fatigue or loss of energy
- Feelings of worthlessness
- Excessive guilt
- Decreased ability to think or concentrate
- Indecisiveness
- Suicidal ideation
- Avoidance
- Apprehension
- Worry
- Emotional Reactivity
Many of these symptoms are normal and expected but when they persist for a long period of time or they start to negatively impact daily life. It is important to seek support from friends and family, spiritual support and maybe a professional.
How We Can Help Support Your Mental Health When Diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease?
Counseling is an important part of dealing with a new Parkinson’s diagnosis. At MUV Counseling we offer a variety of counseling modalities that can support you as you navigate a new Parkinson’s diagnosis, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which focuses on changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy(ACT) supports value-driven action and Narrative Therapy/Life Story Therapy helps build insight into your story of self and meaning in your life. These three approaches can provide an effective way to process and manage the emotions associated with a new Parkinson’s diagnosis.
Types of Counseling
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps you understand and manage the thoughts, emotions, and behaviors linked to your Parkinson’s diagnosis. We’ll work together to develop coping strategies that reduce anxiety and foster resilience.
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) teaches you how to embrace the emotional waves that accompany your diagnosis while focusing on what truly matters in your life. Rather than fighting difficult emotions, we’ll guide you toward living a meaningful life aligned with your values, despite the uncertainty.
Narrative/Life Story Therapy allows you to reclaim your voice and rewrite your Parkinson’s story on your own terms. By reflecting on your life experiences and reframing your journey, you can find strength in your personal narrative and envision a future shaped by hope.
For more details about therapy for a new Parkinson’s diagnosis in Scottsdale, call us at 480-300-2635 for a free 15 minute consultation or email us with your questions. If you’re ready to get started, schedule online here.
