7 Ways to Boost Emotional Wellbeing With Parkinson’s

Parkinson’s disease is a movement disorder that causes both physical and mental symptoms. The way you feel about them can change in a moment, from worried, hopeful, sad, or angry. All of these feelings are normal. Emotional wellbeing isn’t about stuffing down the negative. It’s about handling it in ways that reduce the time you spend feeling bad and increase the time you spend feeling better. A support system, counseling, and relaxation are just a few of the techniques to get there.

Managing Parkinson’s can feel like more than one person can handle—and that’s because it sometimes is. Do a mental review of the friends and family members you can count on, and think of the best ways for them to help. Consider who’s a great listener, who’s best at knocking out day-to-day tasks like picking up prescriptions, and who’s a good go-to for getting you out of the house. Many people living with Parkinson’s need more than friends and family. Remember, your healthcare team is part of your support system, too. Keep up with your appointments and ask for community and online resources. Support groups for people with Parkinson’s can introduce you to others going through the same experience and help you not feel so alone.

Negative thoughts and feelings about your Parkinson’s can aggravate physical symptoms and put you in an even worse state of mind. Introducing a little positive thinking can help break the cycle. What’s going right in your life? Shift your concentration to people you’re grateful for, activities you still enjoy, and progress you’ve made in living with Parkinson’s. It’s OK to have a bad day, but remind yourself that you’ve gotten through them in the past and are capable of doing it again.

According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, up to half of people living with Parkinson’s experience depression or anxiety. These are clinical conditions that a support system and attitude adjustment may not be enough to overcome. Tell your doctor if you’re experiencing symptoms like overwhelming worry or sadness, and ask if you’re a good candidate for individual or family counseling. Many effective mental health medications are also available as part of a holistic Parkinson’s treatment plan that takes your mind and body into consideration.

A balanced diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables supports your overall health, including your energy level, but you may not always feel up to shopping or cooking. It can help to plan meals in advance and stock up on snacks like nuts, grains, and dark chocolate. When you do end up cooking, you may want to freeze the leftovers for an easy meal later. Think about tapping into your support system for help with meal prep, or check into community or faith-based services.

Gentle, regular exercise can improve your mood, reduce fatigue, and help you move more easily and less stressfully with Parkinson’s. Many people with Parkinson’s perform tai chi to bust stress while improving their coordination and balance. Others practice yoga to clear their heads and boost flexibility. Your doctor may also recommend movement therapies designed specifically for those with Parkinson’s. If your symptoms are advanced, physical therapy may be appropriate. Ask your doctor to help you fit the right type of exercise into your treatment plan.

You need restful sleep to feel your best emotionally and physically, but sleep problems often come with Parkinson’s. You may find it hard to fall asleep or stay asleep because of stiffness, cramps or tremors. You may also wake up at night to go to the bathroom more often than you used to. Rough nights lead to rough days full of fatigue. Talk with your doctor to see if a medication adjustment could help you sleep easier. It can also help to maintain a consistent bedtime routine and avoid caffeine, exercise, or other stimulants later in the day.

Is there anything more relaxing? Massage therapy can not only make you feel calmer, but also help reduce tremors temporarily in some cases. Everyone with Parkinson’s experiences it differently, so ask your doctor first. Quick relaxation techniques like deep breathing and meditation can boost your mood, too, and so can simply doing things you enjoy and seeing people you care about. When you get a little down in dealing with a chronic disease, you can feel better faster with a few tried-and-true techniques.