Mourning the life you had before Parkinson’s is completely normal. Your lives have changed, but the past still holds many good memories that the disease cannot take away. Try not to worry too much about the future, because none of us knows what tomorrow will bring. Take one day at a time, try to understand what is happening, and stay as positive as you can.

There are groups all over the internet filled with people who have the same uncertainty and many of the same feelings, so you are definitely not alone. Keep talking with your doctors and never hesitate to ask your doctors for help with the Parkinson’s, the anxiety, or anything else you’re going through. Be patient with yourself. It takes time to find your way.

It took me about a year of feeling physically terrible while coming to terms with this big life change. I really thought life was ending. I had retired before my diagnoses due to feeling I was mentally scattered. A colleague (mental health therapist) told me to keep living as I always had, doing the things I love while incorporating new, healthier aspects (exercise, etc.) into my daily life. I thought about that... then planned a 2-week trip to Hawaii (just got home)! I had previously thought I couldn't do anymore, and had a great time! I couldn't climb Diamond Head, or hike down to Queen's Bath this time, but I did learn I could still enjoy myself without doing the more strenuous activities. The 9 or 10 hour flight home landed me in bed a couple days, but that's ok. At 72, maybe it would've anyway? I learned I could still snorkel and swim! I learned when the trail got too difficult, I could turn around and head back. I don't tend to procrastinate as much on doing things now simply because I don't know how long I can do them - for me, that's a good thing! We all adjust what we can and can't do as we age. It's the same with PD. Adjust and go for it!

Try to figure out ways to live the life you enjoy while you can still do so. Travel, hobbies, etc. are still possible right now for you. Live life to the fullest. Exercise is known to slow progression, so make sure you both stay active.

I would say you are much like the rest of us. Those are normal human emotions to mourn the loss of what was. In some cases, people fear what may lay ahead. Someone once told me that yesterday is for memories and lessons learned. Tomorrow is full of uncertainty and a 90% chance that what you fear will never happen. Today is for living life, moving forward and positive thinking. I think it is normal to take time for those words to become a reality. Always check with your doctor about any of your concerns.