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I have been feeling off. Can hardly do anything get tired very quickly. My birthday was yesterday and Overwhelmed me. I'm still stressing.

A MyParkinsonsTeam Member asked a question 💭
Downingtown, PA
March 4
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Answer Summary

Members rallied around someone feeling exhausted and overwhelmed on their birthday, offering both practical strategies and heartfelt emotional... Read more

Members rallied around someone feeling exhausted and overwhelmed on their birthday, offering both practical strategies and heartfelt emotional support for managing the fatigue and isolation that often accompany Parkinson's disease. Several members shared tactics that have helped them push through difficult days, including getting regular exercise (even with physical limitations like arthritis), finding joy in outdoor projects or hobbies, listening to favorite music, reading scripture, playing brain games, and prioritizing rest when the body truly needs it. A recurring theme was the importance of not giving up despite the loneliness and fear that can come with chronic illness, with members encouraging each other to stay connected, consider mental health support like antidepressants when needed, and remember that small acts of self-care and reaching out to others can make a meaningful difference.

A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

@A MyParkinsonsTeam Member, Whether or not you celebrated on your special day, doa little something special for yourself today. Find a few small things to be thankful for and do something nice for someone else, if you can. It might surprise you how much the act of reaching out to others makes you feel better.

March 5
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

@A MyParkinsonsTeam Member, The reason we feel so overwhelmed, and tire easily is a lack of dopamine and other neurotransmitters which connect our experiences and thoughts. The result is like finding yourself lost in the desert with a low battery because the wires under the hood are shortcircuiting. When I'm feeling that way, first, I check to make sure that I've had my necessary nutrition and medications. Once that's taken care of, I find that my brain can't motivate my body or my emotions until it is fully rested and peaceful. To accomplish that goal, I go to Spotify where I have a "Liked" list of about 3,000 or my favorite music; mostly gospel, some classical, and a few that are special to @A MyParkinsonsTeam Member and me. Then I read my Bible, and I play games on my phone that involve sorting, arranging, and/or logic. One big problem for Parkinson's patients to overcome is that the shirtcircuiting brain can't sleep soundly. The brain doesn't rest like our muscles do. When everything else shuts down, or at least goes into idle, the brain sorts, processes, organizes, and files away recent experiences and thoughts, but all that activity requires dopamine and other neurotransmitters, which, aa I said, by definition of Parkinson's, we lack those elements. All of that I mentioned above helps to be replenish and exercise the dopamine and other neurotransmitters we need. Doing those things makes me sleepy so I can nap. I usually feel much more alert, strengthened, and refreshed when I wake up. Then, maybe I can get some physical exercise in which also helps.

March 5
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

We have a gym membership. My husband goes daily. I hate to exercise. I have arthritis in both knees. But am able to push through.

March 4
MyParkinsonsTeam

How can you manage feeling off, tired, and overwhelmed with Parkinson's?

What you're experiencing sounds like fatigue, which affects up to 80 percent of people with Parkinson's at some point. It's not just regular tiredness - it's a deep exhaustion that can make even simple activities feel overwhelming.

A MyParkinsonsTeam Show Full Answer

How can you manage feeling off, tired, and overwhelmed with Parkinson's?

What you're experiencing sounds like fatigue, which affects up to 80 percent of people with Parkinson's at some point. It's not just regular tiredness - it's a deep exhaustion that can make even simple activities feel overwhelming.

A MyParkinsonsTeam member shared similar feelings: "I have been just unbelievably tired and unable to make myself have energy for anything. Now taking a shower is exhausting."

Here are some strategies that may help:

Rest when you need to:
- Take short naps during the day for quick energy boosts
- Don't push yourself too hard, even on good days
- One member found success with a "do as much as you can, then nap" approach

Manage stress and emotions:
Feeling overwhelmed, especially after events like birthdays, is common. If you're experiencing ongoing stress, sadness, or anxiety, talk to your healthcare team. These feelings can worsen fatigue.

Stay gently active:
Light exercise like walking (with someone) can help, but balance it with rest.

Remember, fatigue can come and go. Some days will be harder than others, and that's okay. Be patient with yourself as you figure out what works best for managing your energy.

March 4
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

I’m would say. Get more exercise. Diet and get more interaction with people.

March 4

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