Depression

Unfortunately many Parkinson’s patients (50 percent) also face depression at some point in their lives. For some of these depression has it’s own claim on them, and it may have been something they had been living with well before they started to see symptoms of Parkinson’s. I am one of those people. At the time of being diagnosed, however, I was riding high. A solid marriage, two great kids, professional success and strong bonds with family and friends. At that time I was able to push my depression aside. Quite frankly I was just too busy to entertain thoughts about my past. It took two years to be diagnosed with Parkinson’s, and while I realized this was serious, I did not know much about the disease and figured I’d just be a shaky old guy. Then the disease progressed rather quickly. Medications became less effective. I turned to having brain stimulators put in and they were a game changer. I was able to do almost all the things I did before. For awhile. Then I noticed cognitive changes which would inevitably cost me my job, my driver’s license, sports and hobbies and relationships. Depression began to seep back in. Old wounds began to fester. Low self esteem and lack of self confidence began to take over. I had little self worth which became an issue for me with my medical team as I could not understand what their motivation was in helping me. I felt I was unworthy of their attention. Worse I felt I was a burden to them, to my family, friends and colleagues. Severe depression and suicidality became a force. Which leads me to today as I start this website, blog, whatever it becomes. I do this in the hope that it helps others navigate through their own life. If you find this website informative then it is worth the time it takes. If you find comfort in your own life from my experiences even better. I am going live from the start to keep this thing moving forward. It will take awhile to gain traction and build a library. In the meantime visit frequently to see it grow.