A diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, also known as Parkinson’s, is a serious and significant event in a person’s life. In fact, the emotional changes that a Parkinson’s diagnosis brings are often much more impactful on an individual’s life than the physical changes themselves, and these emotional changes can cause much more serious problems and compromise the quality of life of the individual than the physical changes.
What happens is that the way a person interprets and faces the diagnosis of Parkinson’s is crucial and will be a determining factor in the quality of life that person will have from that moment on. What I mean is that the way each one chooses to view the disease and the limitations caused by it, as well as the ways they choose to cope with and overcome these limitations, directly influence the emotional and psychological state of the patient and determine how this patient will feel and how they will conduct their life.
We can say that a Parkinson’s patient, in general, after diagnosis, will go through four psychological phases. The first phase is the “denial” phase, where the patient asks “Why me?” It is the stage where the diagnosis has not been accepted and the majority of patients will seek a second opinion. The second phase is the “bargaining with God” phase, where many begin to bargain with the deity, making commitments and promises, in the hope that their proposals will be accepted.
The third phase is the “Grieving and Depression” phase. Depression is a psychological disorder that occurs frequently among Parkinson’s sufferers. This can be the result of a pessimistic attitude of some Parkinson’s patients towards the effects of the disease and possible limitations they may have, such as difficulty performing usual tasks. Anxiety is another feeling that dominates those with Parkinson’s disease, interfering with family relationships. Insomnia is also quite common.
The fourth and final phase is the acceptance phase. Over time and with the balancing of the physical symptoms of the disease through medication, the patient tends to adapt. Having overcome the previous phases, even with many difficulties and suffering, it is possible to reach the phase of accepting the disease. Regardless of the emotional state, the person with Parkinson’s realizes that LIFE goes on, and the tendency is to admit that there are two options: give up or adapt. Parkinson’s requires each patient to learn to cope with the disease physically and mentally. And most patients maintain and will continue to have the ability to enjoy life for a long time.
It is understandable that it is often difficult to avoid pessimism and negative thoughts about Parkinson’s. However, it is important to remember that negativity only causes more emotional pain and can intensify the symptoms of the disease itself. Not to mention that, naturally, the negative feelings of those with Parkinson’s will also affect family and friends, who often need as much psychological support as the Parkinson’s patient itself.
Thais Clemente