Tips to stay positive while living with Parkinson’s Disease

Being diagnosed with a chronic progressive illness like Parkinson’s Disease (PD) changes your life forever. It is natural to think about a lifetime that could limit your independence, presenting difficulties with everyday tasks or performing your job. However, keeping a positive attitude and maintaining an upbeat outlook can make your life more enjoyable. Hope, these tips will help you stay positive while living with Parkinson’s Disease:

1. Learn about your illness – Don’t be afraid to read about Parkinson’s disease or talk to others who have it. Remember that no two cases are exactly alike, and no one can predict exactly how the disease will progress or affect you. Likewise, no two people respond the same to treatments and medications. Gathering information about your illness will empower you to make informed decisions about your medical care and the treatment options to you.
2. Reduce your stress levels and put yourself and your needs first – This is not selfish or self-centered; you must take care of yourself first! Rest when you’re tired. Be protective about how you spend your time and energy as PD uses a great deal of one’s physical energy. Allow extra time to do everything from eating, drinking, and dressing to talking and walking. Coping and adapting takes a great deal of emotional and mental energy. Permit yourself to say “No” and not feel guilty. When you are feeling better, you can say “Yes”.

Also Read: 10 Early Signs of Parkinson’s disease

3. Make exercise part of your life – Exercise does not delay or reverse the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, but it does help you make full use of your potential and improve your quality of life. It also helps prevent complications such as contractures of rigid, poorly moving limbs. Walking, swimming, range-of-motion exercises, and simple stretching regimens offer opportunities to socialize and can do wonders for your energy level, strength, and a general feeling of well-being. Yoga and mindfulness classes help you maintain balance and de-stress. Your doctor can suggest an exercise program that will help keep you active no matter what your physical limitations or energy levels.
4. Try not to be self-conscious about the visible symptoms of Parkinson’s disease – It may be challenging, but look for ways to work around the problems. If you are self-conscious about the way you walk, consider using a wheelchair. If hand tremors make it difficult to eat with utensils, and you feel embarrassed eating in a restaurant, order foods you can eat with your hands. Ask the waitress to put each item on a separate plate or bowl; that way your tremors are less likely to knock food off the plate.
5. Keep up your sense of humor – Having trouble walking, being unable to talk as loudly as you want, or giving up driving are particularly not funny. However, try to put a humorous spin on everyday observations and situations. For example, if you use a wheelchair, you might look at it this way: you always have a place to sit and a pair of shoes last you 20 years. Remember, laughter is a great stress reducer.
6. Surround yourself with caring and loving family members, friends, and co-workers – Permit yourself to eliminate people and activities that drain your energy. Be honest with your people if you’re having a bad day. Tell people about your illness as they may not know what PD is; you may shake, lose your balance, walk or talk slowly because of PD. Ask for their help when you need it. Explain that you may feel terrible in the morning but fine in the afternoon. Don’t expect people to know what you are feeling unless you tell them.

Although it is normal to experience a loss of hope or bouts of fear about what the future holds, look for the silver lining. It’s natural to mourn the loss of function and independence for a brief time, but try not to get stuck there, wallow in self-pity, or isolate yourself from everyone.

If you experience any combination of these symptoms – loss of appetite, feelings of sadness, difficulty sleeping, a sense of hopelessness, or just feel down in the dumps – you may be suffering from elderly depression. Please tell your doctor about it. Even though you have every right to be depressed about your diagnosis, depression is a treatable condition. A combination of treatment and therapy can lift your spirits and give you renewed energy to keep that all-important positive attitude.

You can consult our expert doctors to get a safe, holistic, and effective treatment for Parkinson’s disease by booking an appointment at https://www.drbatras.com/book-an-appointment