Joy, please do not give up hope. You have been living with this for more than a year, trying harder and feeling worse, and I can hear how frightened and exhausted you are. You should not have to fight this alone.

Right now, stop trying to solve everything at once. Put both feet on the floor if you can and breathe slowly. Look around and name five things you see, four things you feel, and three things you hear. This may not remove the anxiety, but it can help bring your mind back to the present while the strongest wave passes.

Please call someone you trust today—a family member, friend, pastor, or anyone who can stay with you or talk with you. Tell them plainly, “My anxiety feels out of control, and I need you with me.” Reaching out is not weakness. It is a strong and necessary step.

Anxiety can be a real non-movement symptom of Parkinson’s. It may become worse during medication OFF periods or because of poor sleep, pain, depression, or medication changes. This does not mean you are losing your mind or have failed. Anxiety can be treated, but your doctor needs to understand how serious it has become.

Please contact your neurologist or primary doctor as soon as possible and say, “My anxiety has been worsening for over a year, I feel unable to control it, and I need help now.” Ask for a medication review and a referral to a therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist who understands Parkinson’s or chronic illness. Counseling, coping methods, medication, or a combination may help. Do not change medication on your own.

You can also call the Parkinson’s Foundation Helpline at *(Phone number can only be seen by the question and answer creators)**. Their specialists can listen, provide information, help you prepare questions for your doctor, and connect you with Parkinson’s and mental-health resources.

Your faith and medical help do not have to oppose each other. Asking God for strength can exist alongside asking a doctor, counselor, family member, pastor, or friend to help carry you through this.

Because you said you do not want to give up hope, please take your safety seriously. If you are thinking about harming yourself, feel unable to remain safe, or believe you might act on those thoughts, call or text **988** immediately. The 988 Lifeline is free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day. If you are in immediate danger, call **911** or go to the nearest emergency room.

For now, do only the next small thing: breathe, contact someone you trust, and call your doctor. You do not need to understand your entire future today. You only need to allow someone to help you take the next step. You are still here and reaching out. That tells me hope is still present, even if you cannot feel it clearly right now.

My favorite saying is "move a muscle - change a thought". It actually works. If you're freaked out by something redirect your brain by thinking about something else! Vacuum, dust, bike ride, cruise in the car with music you like, lay down in the woods next to a stream and let your mind and thoughts go down the stream in peace with a smile on your face. Nothing I've ever worried about has come true!

Wishing you peace and love!

👍✌🥳💕🌞🥰🙏🇮🇪☘😘🇺🇲😍💪🤗😍🐕

Hi Joy! I fully understand anxiety and depression. I have PTSD, BPD and Major depressive issues and Parkinson’s doesn’t help, however for me, I have a great Psychiatrist and Therapist. I have been on 3 meds for depression and medication for anxiety. I currently am an EMDR patient for the above issues from major trauma in my life. I have been getting this therapy for 20 years and I am 66 now. That being said, there have been some things that I have been able to use without medication. I use the CALM APP on my phone and use it often when my anxiety getting bad. I lay down in my bedroom alone, no dogs and husband allowed😊 I use the best relaxation sounds and music that teaches me to breathe in a way that calms the noise in my head and shakiness, not necessarily my tremors as my C/L meds do help my tremors. I have a swimming pool with a Jacuzzi waterfall that also helps me swim and also calms my anxiety. However, here in So.California our heat temps have been over 105 plus, so my access to it doesn't help for very long at the moment. Sometimes calling my best friend just to “ramble on” and get my fears out without judgement. I am blessed to have that one friend since Kindergarten who knows all there is to know about me and my illnesses and she is my Ride or Die bestie (besides my husband!) I pray that you find your happy place and peace!

Hi Joy,
I’m not an advocate for adding more pills to our daily regimen. However, anxiety pretty much goes with Parkinson’s. Be sure to tell your doctor the symptoms you are feeling.

@A MyParkinsonsTeam Member, I saw nothing threatening in @A MyParkinsonsTeam Member's question. The only "drama" I have witnessed on this site is from those who are constantly on defense.
No one on my team threatens anyone. You are safe here. If you feel threatened, I would remind you that Parkinson's and many Parkinsonisms lie to us. Our off-center neurotransmitters can make the world feel off kilter. I would suggest that when you're feeling that way, it might be time to turn away from your device, take a walk, a nap, or whatever gives you peace before you respond. Hopefully, MyParkinsonsTeam will look more friendly to you when you return.
Thank you!🙂

Mentioned Users

A MyParki...

A MyParki...