Depression, demotivation, and even despair seem to be common symptoms for those of us with Parkinson's disease. Part of this is physiological, and some of it is emotional, such as worries about the future resulting in anxiety, that make symptoms worse! So mental health is a big problem with this condition, and it needs to be addressed.
Whilst this condition is highly individual, we can all make a difference to the degree of progression and how it affects us. As an eminent doctor in this field says, PD 'is a modifiable condition', meaning that we can slow progression, relieve symptoms, or simply learn to manage life better, whatever it throws at us.
There are practical approaches we can adopt that help a lot with mental health, in just the same way that exercise and diet work to improve our physical health.
A core principle in managing this condition better is taking a holistic approach to healing mind and body. So while my own contribution is focused on wellbeing and mindfulness, I include a section on complementary therapeutic approaches, with links to useful information and contributions from leading experts.
The purpose of this 12 week course and resource base is to give you some tools and motivation to take control of your own health, and live better, alongside whatever medication and lifestyle approaches you employ.
I have Parkinson's, and have 25 years experience practicing and teaching wellbeing, mindfulness and meditation, so I have direct experience of proven wellbeing strategies. I hope you will find this useful. I'm happy to offer this course freely to others with the condition.
Simon Michaels
Content
The course is online and guided by a series of weekly emails, so you can start any time and work at your own pace. It includes:
1 - The neuroscience of PD, how to address common issues such as anxiety and depression, plus some motivating stories.
2 - Learning to relax and meet challenges and change, through mindfulness and meditation, yoga and qigong
3 - Understanding suffering and stress, and practical ways to manage life better in the face of difficulties
4 - Generating positivity and a wellness mindset
5 - Integrating these simple practices into everyday life and creating new habits and routines
6 - Complementary lifestyle approaches, eg diet, detox, sleep, exercise
7 - Managing our relationships with other people, and kindness & compassion
8 - Next steps and links to other resources, including a private Facebook group to share, ask questions and interact