Shedding light on the unknown Psychosocial side of PD is very important to me. I suffered with unspecified depression and anxiety alongside leg pain and gait issues for more than a decade before receiving my YOPD diagnosis. One of the most overlooked yet critical aspects of PD is its psychosocial impact, particularly the emotional toll it takes. Yet there are so many who either don’t know or would turn a blind eye to this very REAL symptom of Parkinson’s disease.   

Waves of confused emotions fill our days and haunt our nights. While our bodies and minds struggle to maintain sufficient dopamine levels. The combined effort to stay focussed, coordinate our movements and navigate daily tasks gets overwhelming. Apathy is a slippery slope straight to despair. It is fed by the negative stigma that plagues us when we are misunderstood. Parkinson’s Disease is still largely misunderstood. This is why our stories are so important. Specifically regarding how this crap affects our minds. 

I can tell myself all day long that I’m ok. Count my blessings and keep my chin up by always looking into the light in front of me. Standing up for our planet with love for future generations. My Mother Nature voice and persona who never gives up or gives in. 

While I don’t give up. The lows make all of us wish to give in at times. Where is the infamous “IN” people give themselves to? I dare not dream down that doom filled path. Still, I understand what it’s like to fight waves of paranoia. Fear I might never see my children again. Or wonder if I might wake up tomorrow unable to walk or talk. 

Yes, and I second guess every word I write, and wonder if I’m really making a difference. 

Then I look at all we’ve shared as a community. I hear our voices remixed on the wind. It lets me know that I’m loved and accepted. Yes, and provides comforting reminders that I am not alone. 

Doubt and worry about the future is a bloody wound on the mind's eye. Too many people with PD suffer in silence. Isolated by the very symptoms that need connection the most. Loneliness fuels self-doubt. Staying connected, sharing stories, and supporting one another isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.

This is why telling our stories is so important. People need to know how this disease affects the mind, not just the body.

There are days when I dont feel “fine”. It’s not easy to always look toward the light, I hold on to gratitude and draw strength from nature, from love, from holding on to hope for the future. I can’t and won't give up.

Still, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t feel the pull of darkness at times. The lows are brutal. Facing fear and fatigue makes me wonder how long I’ll be able to function. Like many mothers with loved ones far away. I worry and fret over when I might hold my children again. It’s hard to admit how much it all scares me.

We need to make it known mental health is a big part of this disease. Don’t ignore it. Don’t minimize it. Talk about it and support each other. Yes, and always love one another. 

Because in the end, our voices and our stories, our light and our love will melt the fog. Join me and help us shine a spotlight on what it’s really like to live with PD. www.yesandexercise.org 

Help us rebrand what the world knows about Parkinson’s disease. In Dr. Robert Cochrane’s Cinema Therapy classes the psysocial side of Parkinson’s is not ignored. In fact we unpack such complex emotions within the safe space created by the group. Breaking many people free from apathy and social isolation. I invite everyone to check out the link and see how Yes…and eXercise helps improve participants' wellbeing. The place where we play improv and learn life lessons that help us improve our quality of life. One day at a time.