Parkinson’s not only impacts physical and emotional well-being, but also mental health. Depression and anxiety are common symptoms of Parkinson’s, altering quality of life and the effectiveness of certain treatments. Fortunately, mood changes are often treatable, provided they’re caught early and managed well.
Recognising the signs of depression and anxiety, and understanding how mental health is connected to Parkinson’s, can help individuals manage symptoms and improve well-being.
Mood Changes in Parkinson’s
When learning of a Parkinson’s diagnosis for the first time, it’s understandable to feel scared, nervous or depressed. Mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety, are clinical symptoms of Parkinson’s. These are often as common as physical symptoms, such as tremors and slow movements.
It’s estimated that up to half of all Parkinson’s sufferers will experience mood changes at some point in their journey. These can lead to isolation, loneliness and a reduced quality of life, contributing to frailty and accelerated progression of symptoms.
The good news is that researchers have been focusing on mood changes in Parkinson’s for over a decade, giving medical professionals and carers a better understanding of how to treat them effectively.
Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression in Parkinson’s
Anxiety and depression can develop at any stage of Parkinson’s. Some may experience these feelings quickly after diagnosis, while for others, it’ll get worse as symptoms progress.
Symptoms of Parkinson’s-related anxiety include:
- Brain changes: Parkinson’s causes a loss of dopamine (the chemical that regulates mood and movement), which can worsen anxiety.
- “Off” periods: While medication reduces the Parkinson’s symptoms, anxiety can worsen as its effectiveness wears off.
- Fluctuating emotions: Coping with Parkinson’s often causes a range of emotions, including fear, anxiety and anger.
- Sleep disturbances: Parkinson’s often impacts sleep, which can increase the risk of anxiety during the day.
- Isolation: Parkinson’s symptoms make it more difficult to stay socially connected, which may increase feelings of loneliness and anxiety.
- Uncertainty: The sudden unknowns of the future often affect quality of life and independence, creating stronger feelings of anxiety.
Depression is an unrelenting feeling of sadness or low mood that may affect your ability to carry out day-to-day activities. Symptoms of depression in Parkinson’s include:
- A lack of interest in things you used to enjoy: People with depression may struggle to find joy in hobbies or social activities they usually look forward to.
- Feeling tearful or hopeless: The loss of dopamine in Parkinson’s patients often causes a lack of motivation, pleasure and negatively impacts the brain’s reward system.
- Anger and frustration: Having to cope with depression and other Parkinson’s symptoms often results in irritability, anger and becoming easily annoyed at people.
- Physical aches and pains: Depression may cause physical effects, including the exacerbation of other Parkinson’s symptoms.
- Fatigue: Changes in the brain may result in you having less energy than normal, leading to feelings of extreme or chronic exhaustion.
- Weight fluctuations: Symptoms of Parkinson’s can cause changes in appetite, increasing the risk of weight gain or loss.
Managing Parkinson’s-Related Anxiety and Depression at Home
People with Parkinson’s may feel as though they can’t get help for their mood changes, especially if they’re worried about leaving the house alone. However, there are several ways you can manage the symptoms of anxiety and depression at home:
1. Physical Activity
Physical exercise and activity can be pivotal in helping manage Parkinson’s symptoms, including depression and anxiety.
Exercise encourages the release of endorphins, which can:
- Improve your mood
- Reduce stress
- Make sleep easier and boost its quality
Some people may think that they can’t exercise due to their Parkinson’s symptoms and increased risk of instability and falling. However, immobility can exacerbate symptoms and increase the risk of fatigue, stiffness, and negative mood changes.
We have a helpful guide on gentle physical exercises for frail elders, featuring beneficial movements suitable for all skill and ability levels.
2. Complementary Therapies
Complementary therapies can be used in conjunction with traditional Parkinson’s treatments to help achieve the best possible results. These can help you relax and unwind, reducing negative emotions and increasing the risk of depression and anxiety.
There are plenty of complementary therapies that many have found beneficial for Parkinson’s symptoms, including:
- Acupuncture
- Aromatherapy
- Art therapy
- Homeopathy
- Massage therapy
- Music therapy
- Reflexology
Most of these can be done at home with a trusted loved one or carer, but you’ll need professional assistance for acupuncture, homoeopathy and reflexology. You may also reap additional benefits by enlisting the help of a professional or attending group classes where you can learn from others.
3. Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness is an incredibly powerful practice for individuals struggling with mental health. It involves focusing on the present and the greater world around you, including things you can see, hear and touch. It is often recommended for mild depression and anxiety.
Several videos are available online for guided meditation and mindfulness practice. Mindfulness requires your mind to become bored, which can be uncomfortable for some people. It may take a few sessions to get the hang of it, but continuing through the practice makes it more likely for you to see results.
4. Prioritise Sleep
Sleep is essential for individuals with Parkinson’s to ensure their symptoms don’t become worse during the day. Not getting enough sleep can have a negative impact on your physical, mental, and emotional well-being, leaving you feeling anxious, irritable, tearful or hopeless.
Parkinson’s often impacts sleep, making it difficult to achieve a restful night’s sleep. However, ensuring your bedroom is quiet and comfortable may help the body wind down. Choose an achievable bedtime and wake-up time, and stick to them to program your mind and body into a reliable routine.
Read more about daily routines to support people living with Parkinson’s for tips on achieving a good night’s sleep.
Treatments for Parkinson’s-Related Anxiety and Depression
In some cases, Parkinson’s-related mood disorders can become severe enough to impact daily life. If this happens, or symptoms don’t improve with self-help measures, we recommend consulting your GP for treatment options.
Make sure you tell them which medication you’re on to manage other Parkinson’s symptoms, as certain mood disorder treatments may not be suitable to use at the same time.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a talking therapy designed to change the way you think and act, and it’s proven to be effective for depression and anxiety. This is usually done with a qualified therapist in an individual or group setting.
You’ll learn new skills to help deal with negative thoughts and problems effectively. This includes breaking down concerns into more manageable parts, preventing them from becoming too overwhelming. You may also be taught relaxation, distraction and goal-setting techniques.
Therapy for Mental Health
Therapy is a popular method of reducing the effects of Parkinson’s-related mood disorders, as it can help you understand underlying issues that may be contributing to your depression.
Therapy may use CBT, but often alongside other techniques, depending on what you find most effective. It may be offered on the NHS through a referral from your GP, but waitlists can be very long. Private counselling is the better option if you feel as though you need quick access to help.
Antidepressants and Anti-Anxiety Medication
Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications are drugs used to treat moderate to severe mood disorders. They increase certain levels of chemicals in the brain to counter negative thoughts and feelings. It may take up to four weeks for you to notice a noticeable improvement in your symptoms.
Not all medications will work for everyone, and some won’t be suitable to use alongside your current Parkinson’s medication. Your GP or Parkinson’s nurse will be able to work with you to find a suitable medication schedule to ensure you get the best results.
Support Groups for Parkinson’s Patients
Some people find talking things through with other like-minded people to be one of the most beneficial treatments for anxiety and depression. There are plenty of support groups for individuals with Parkinson’s, so finding one where you can share problems and experiences is incredibly helpful.
How Country Cousins Can Help
At Country Cousins, we believe that everyone deserves to live well after a Parkinson’s diagnosis, and our fully trained, compassionate carers are committed to helping achieve this goal. Through our Parkinson’s care at home, we can provide assistance with complementary therapies, transportation to and from appointments and support groups and encourage gentle exercise with stability support.
Our carers are passionate about helping clients live the life they want at home, where independence is paramount. Their compassion and emotional support can help alleviate depression and anxiety and improve your overall well-being each day. We’ll be with you every step of the way, through symptom progression and mood changes.
Talk to Our Team Today
As the UK’s longest-serving introductory live-in care agency, we have been providing compassionate live-in care to those who need it since 1959 – all from the comfort of their own homes.
Give us a call today on 01293 224 706. Our experienced team is on hand to help from Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm. Alternatively, contact us through our online enquiry form.
