We all respond differently to information about our health. After learning you or your loved one has Parkinson's disease (PD), you might be stunned, scared, or even relieved to have answers that explain tremors, shuffling gait, or changes in speech or writing. No matter what you’re feeling, you’re not alone. On MyParkinsonsTeam, there are thousands of others who have been in your shoes.

You can’t figure out everything about Parkinson's at once, and you don’t need to. Taking small steps to adjust to your new reality can be empowering in a time of major change. According to the American Psychological Association, active coping strategies like getting organized and making a plan for managing your health can improve mental and emotional well-being.

Create Space for Parkinson's
It’s normal to feel out of control when you first learn that you or a family member has Parkinson's. You may have a pile of pamphlets crowding your kitchen table and a head full of questions that you forget the moment you set foot in a doctor’s office. You can begin to tame the chaos by implementing very simple organizational techniques that will help you create space for this new aspect of your life.

Put Everything in One Place
Storing printed doctor’s visit summaries, pamphlets about Parkinson's, and other resources all in a designated spot can help create some order and help you find information when you need it. You don’t need a fancy filing system - a kitchen drawer, an old binder, or simply an orderly stack on your bedside table can make a big difference. In addition to helping you keep track of important papers, there is evidence that controlling clutter is associated with better moods.

Remember Your Questions
Keep a list of questions about Parkinson's in a dedicated notebook or on your smartphone. Jot down your questions as you think of them and bring your list to your or your spouse's or parent's appointments so you can remember your questions and write down the answers.

Manage Your Appointments
If you already rely on a digital calendar or paper planner to manage work and family obligations, stick with that method for managing your or your loved one's new doctor’s visits. If keeping a calendar is new to you, consider using what you’ve already got at home, such as a grocery list notepad or a piece of paper and a magnet on the fridge. You can also ask your doctor’s office about phone call or text message reminders that can help you keep on top of appointments.

Track Medications
Using an old-fashioned pill organizer is a great way to keep track of an oral medication regimen. You can also use a paper medication tracker. If you’re comfortable using a smartphone, consider downloading a medication tracking app.

Reach Out for Support
It can feel overwhelming to reach out when you, your spouse, or your parent first receives a Parkinson's diagnosis, but you don’t have to face this diagnosis alone. Support from loved ones, your medical team, and other people living with or caring for someone with PD is crucial as you adjust to your new normal. There are a few basic steps you can take to start building your network of support.

Parkinson's Communities
You may not be ready to talk about your or your loved one's diagnosis with family right away. You may also not have time or be comfortable joining an in-person support group. That’s ok. Connecting with members on MyParkinsonsTeam can be a first step towards finding support. Your community on MyParkinsonsTeam can provide an ongoing emotional boost whenever you feel worried or overwhelmed about life with PD or want to celebrate a victory.

Healthcare Providers
Many hospitals and medical practices offer resources that extend beyond medical appointments. These may include chaplaincy services, health education classes, patient liaisons or nurse navigators, on-site support groups, and referrals to other services.

Friends and Family
Sharing your, your spouse's, or your parent's diagnosis with friends and other family can be hard. They may be afraid and struggle to react in a helpful way. Try to remember that everyone is doing their best with difficult news. If you’re able, let your loved ones know how they can be most helpful to you during this time, whether that’s helping with household chores or offering a listening ear.

Learn More About Parkinson's
You might not have known much about PD before your or your loved one's diagnosis, but now you probably want to learn more. Your healthcare provider is a great resource for information, but you may also want to do your own research. Remember to be cautious of what you read online, especially if someone is offering a quick fix or selling a cure. You can always reach out to your healthcare provider or patient liaison if you have questions about something you’ve read.

Here are a few resources to get you started:

• Parkinson’s Disease and Parkinsonism – An Overview
• National Institute on Aging - Parkinson's Disease
• Parkinson's Foundation

You never have to feel alone when you’re living with or caring for someone with Parkinson's. Members on MyParkinsonsTeam are always available to answer questions and offer encouragement when things get rough.

Here are some conversations from members on MyParkinsonsTeam about facing a new diagnosis:

• "I live in NYC and was an opera singer who did quite a bit of dancing. Just diagnosed this year but hoping that my symptoms continue to be mild."
• "I'm new here. I was just diagnosed on Wednesday. I'm trying to adjust and get used to the changes."
• "My husband was just diagnosed this week with Parkinson's, so this is a new road that we will travel."

If you have a pressing question, you can go straight to the Q+A section.
You can also read more about how to get started on MyParkinsonsTeam.

For the newly diagnosed, what information are you seeking?
For PD veterans, what do you wish you knew when you or your loved one was first diagnosed? Share in the comments below or directly on MyParkinsonsTeam.