Now, to more fully answer your depression question. One thing that may help you is to stop with the ‘I should’. Should insinuates required. We’re not required to feel a certain way. That’s pressure we and/or others put on us.

Once I quit telling myself or listening to others tell me what ‘I should’ be feeling or doing, the pressure was lifted. Depression was controlled and darkness gone. I still have severe anxiety that has kept me from doing many things, like leaving my home. In discussions with my doctors, I began to accept and deal with anxiety on my terms-not what other well meaning family and friends thoughts were.

By dealing with my anxiety in my way, I took enormous pressure off. Explaining to my loved ones that while I truly appreciated and understood their concerns, this was between me and my anxiety. Baby steps. Suddenly one day I got off the couch, drove to several places, got out of my car and went in! My terms my way. Anxiety and depression do not define me, but they are now a part of me. Embracing them and integrating them as part of the Parkinson’s me has lifted so much weight. I am once again engaged with the world.

Your Parkinson’s, your way without pressure. You will find your way. Hoping my story helps.

@A MyParkinsonsTeam Member, my first question, with all due respect @A MyParkinsonsTeam Member, you're certain it is depression and not "just" apathy? To explain my question, apathy is usually part of depression, but at least in PD, it can be a symptom which stands on it's own without the depression. Either way, treatment is extremely important. Treatment will be different for apathy as opposed to depression, of course, but only a professional can determine a diagnosis in order to move forward to a better place. It is definitely possible to feel better but it will be up to you to take the first step. I am on a drug called selegiline in the form of a 24hr patch under the name EMSAM. It's the best antidepressant I've ever been on; it is also the drug which was the gold standard treatment of PD before levodopa was developed. I have done very well on it, all things considered. Still, I had to take the first step, once I knew that depression is a symptom of PD, often the first symptom. I hope you reach out to someone to help you get back on your feet.
Hugs,
Teresa

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A MyParki...

Hello. My advice is to find a psychiatrist who understands PD and is willing to work with your neurologist or primary care doc to develop a treatment plan that is right for you. Psych meds are only part of the equation but important that the care is gear to the patient. Counseling, support groups, close friends or family that understand are also helpfull. The most important thing is knowing when the depression is overwhelming you- taking over your life. You feel like your on the edge of a cliff hanging on but... and when you look down all you see is darkness. You need help now!!!! Before it almost got me. But now, I'm pretty dam good!!!!! lololol.
Now when I feel the signs and symptoms coming on, I tell someone. I'm on meds but, the time changes really affect me for example. If I start feeling bad I tell my hubby, or my docs. I don't go to counseling anymore. I monitor my symptoms and keep a journal. I take it with me when I go to the doc. I also monitor my stress levels as well. I try to eat balanced, sleep well, get some activity. This is how I manage my depression. You can't do it by yourself.

All good advise and posts here. I had been treated with Prozac on & off for 10-12 yrs along with counseling. Have nothing more to help, except you must get help soon! All the best to you and yours,
Mary/3/25/2019

I really appreciate everyone’s views and honesty!! Talking and bearing ones soul, so to speak, to friends who fully understand is a blessing. Knowing each and everyone is in the same boat and getting such wonderful feedback is very refreshing. Thank you all so very much!,🙏🏻❤️