With me, I notice a depressing mood sets in if my physical abilities hinder me for too long. I then get frustrated with myself but verbalize it towards my family. I try to catch myself before it builds up too much but I live the phrase "my own worst enemy ". I also know my PD has had an impact on my incontinence and my lymphedema, both negatively unfortunately. Again, I try to anticipate my struggles and schedule my busy time earlier in the day so it's not as disruptive but with a 10yr old it's not always possible.

MY partner just got diagnoses with PSP ..( after almost tow years of being told it was PD ) it has affected his mental state.. he gets angry at a drop of a hat, and so easily cries,,and of course getting upset makes his tremor even worse... Its not easy ot taking it personally when he yells at me,.. it a tough balancing act sometimes
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@A MyParkinsonsTeam Member. First I want to say I’m so sorry that you are both having to deal with this diagnosis. Getting the PD diagnosis was bad enough. But the.PSP diagnosis is even more devastating. We say that you will die “ with “ PD, not from it, but PSP has a life expectancy after diagnosis of 5-7 years. I think I would be acting badly and crying if it were me too.
My suggestion for you, because you are trying to help and trying to keep yourself from being hurt, would be this. Ask for a different doctor to get a second opinion from. This doctor was wrong for two years already, so I think that’s fair to want another opinion. Secondly, I would speak directly to the doctor and tell them what you have told us is happening. Hopefully there will be something the doctor can do for both of you. Please don’t just do nothing. All that gets is pain and suffering for both of you. You can’t change anything unless you try. Good luck and take care. Joni

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A MyParki...

Lukas53 i thought my life was over when pd diagnosed and i was in denial for at least 22 months then i realized not that much had changed ! I now live with pd successfully and i try to stay positive because giving in to why me pity party certainly doesn’t help me feel good

Hi Joni. I could not agree with you more. The effect of the PD diagnosis has most significantly affected my mood. I feel anger so quickly which is so unusual for me. Also, apathy, depression and hopelessness has been debilitating. My story has a happy ending however. I've worked with a talk therapist and a psychiatrist for more than 1 yr and we have finally found a medication and dose that rids me of al of that so I can get on with the precious life I was given and find joy and hope in it.

To those who asked, in my opinion, PD does certainly impact mental health not only due the the disabling symptoms but also due to the neurologic changes the disease brings. BUT, there is hope and joy available to you when you find the kind the right mental health professional to help you. Please don't despair. Ask for help and accept support from those who love you. Life with PD can be a life worth living.
Maria