May is Mental Health Awareness Month

When we talk about Parkinson’s disease, the conversation often starts with physical symptoms like tremors, stiffness and slowness of movement. But for many living with PD, it’s the invisible symptoms that can often be the most challenging. Depression, anxiety, apathy, and emotional fatigue are all common and very real parts of life with Parkinson’s.

This Mental Health Awareness Month, we want to shine a light on the importance of caring for the whole person: body, mind, and spirit.

You’re Not Alone

Research shows that about 35 percent of people with Parkinson’s will experience depression, and more than a third experience significant anxiety. These are not just side effects or personality changes. They are symptoms of the disease itself, caused by changes in brain chemistry, stress, and the challenges of navigating daily life with PD.

The good news is that mental health struggles with PD are treatable. Support is available and healing is possible. You are not alone.

Movement Is Medicine for Your Mind Too!

At U-Turn Parkinson’s, we often say that exercise is medicine, and that applies to mental health just as much as it does to physical strength. Regular movement helps regulate mood, reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and boost overall well-being. More importantly, doing it in a group setting offers something just as powerful: connection.

Showing up to class isn’t just good for your physical symptoms. It’s a reminder that you belong, that you’re seen and that you don’t have to face this alone.

Talk About It

One of the most courageous things you can do is talk about how you’re feeling. If you’re struggling, let someone know. This could be a loved one, your doctor, a therapist, or someone you trust in the U-TurnPD community.

We’re here for the hard days, not just the good ones.

What You Can Do This Month

• Prioritize connection: Come to class, join a coffee chat or reach out to someone you haven’t seen in a while.
• Check in with yourself: Notice how you’re really feeling physically, mentally and emotionally.
• Ask for help: If things feel heavy, that’s not weakness. That’s a signal. And it’s okay to need support.

Living well with Parkinson’s means taking care of every part of yourself. Your mental health is not separate from your physical health and taking care of both is key to living well with Parkinson’s. This month and every month, we encourage you to show yourself compassion and lean into your community. You matter. Your mind matters. And we’re with you every step of the way.

Sources
1. (Aarsland, D., Marsh, L., & Schrag, A. (2009). Neuropsychiatric symptoms in Parkinson’s disease. Nature Reviews Neurology, 5, 301–311. https://www.nature.com/articles/nrneurol.2011.189)

2. (Broen, M. P. G., Narayen, N. E., Kuijf, M. L., Dissanayaka, N. N., & Leentjens, A. F. G. (2016). Prevalence of anxiety in Parkinson’s disease: A systematic review and meta‐analysis. Movement Disorders, 31(8), 1125–1133. https://doi.org/10.1002/mds.26643)

Register to join our free-of-charge, Parkinson’s-specific programming: https://uturnparkinsons.org/our-community/#account

Jordana,

Have a question?
Contact us at:
Phone: 204-510-4869
Email: info@uturnpd.org