4 mental health tips for people living with Parkinson’s & How U-Turn Parkinson’s can support your mental health
October 10 marks World Mental Health Day, a day intended to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilize efforts in support of mental health.
According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, at least 50 per cent of people with Parkinson’s disease will experience some form of depression, with up to 40 per cent experiencing an anxiety disorder. Like all Parkinson’s symptoms, mood changes and other mental health issues vary from person to person.
We’ve compiled some general mental health tips for people living with Parkinson’s.
Please note: We are not medical professionals, and you should always consult with your health-care team prior to implementing new lifestyle changes or medical treatments.
4 mental health tips for people living with Parkinson’s
Lead a healthy lifestyle.
In addition to being key to the overall management of Parkinson’s, a healthy balanced diet and regular exercise can also improve your emotional well-being. Exercise in particular can help slow progression of the disease and manage your symptoms. Choose exercise you enjoy so you’re more likely to stick with it and set small goals for yourself. If you’re not sure where to start, talk to your physician to see what you can do safely.
Follow a healthy sleep routine.
Sleep is often overlooked as part of a healthy mental health routine, but it shouldn’t be ignored. Try to keep a regular sleep schedule by going to bed and getting up around the same time every day. Create a quiet, comfortable environment and relaxing bedtime routine (no electronics!) that will help you wind down at night. Finally, avoid caffeine and exercise in the hours before bedtime.
Consider therapy or counselling.
Whether alone or with your loved ones, counselling can provide support and understanding. There are plenty of different types of counsellors and other qualified professionals out there, so find one that works best for you.
Connect with others.
One of the things we love most about U-Turn Parkinson’s is our community. Being part of a supportive group can help you connect with others who are on a similar journey and reduce stress, while making new friends in the process. Online support groups can also be a great tool to help you meet people who can relate.
How U-Turn Parkinson’s can support your mental health
We exist to empower people living with Parkinson’s in their pursuit of wellness, which includes both physical and mental health.
In addition to the sense of community and support offered through our programming, U-Turn Parkinson’s offers a variety of classes to help you stay active and enjoy the mental health benefits of exercise. Golden Gloves uses high-intensity interval training and boxing movements, while Empower-U is a full-body work-out designed specifically for people living with Parkinson’s. We also offer a number of educational resources.
If you’re struggling with your mental health, know that you are not alone—we are here to support you.
To learn more about who we are and what we do, follow us on social media and be sure to sign up for our e-newsletter. Get in touch with us today by calling 204-510-4869 or email info@uturnpd.org.