Read Here Are the Tools You Need – From Patrick McNamara, Ph.D., former About.com Guide. Updated August 04, 2009 from About.com
Coping with a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease is difficult, but it is important that you remember that YOU have Parkinson’s – Parkinson’s does not have YOU. What kinds of coping strategies work best when you are ready to meet the problem head on? Here is a list of the tools you can use to cope with your disease. Click on each heading to go to that topic.
Religion: Even if you’re not religious, your spirituality can help you cope with your diagnosis. You can find some form of spirituality or a source of joy, strength and inspiration in your life.
Problem Solving: How do you generally solve a problem? Strategy and reasoning can help you cope with the problems that come along with Parkinson’s disease.
Seek Support: What are the first steps you should take when you’re diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease? Seeking the support of friends, family, and professionals can help you cope.
Cognitive Restructuring: Cognitive restructuring means changing the way that you think about your Parkinson’s disease in order to maintain a positive attitude. This can greatly help your quality of life with PD.
What Not to Do: Avoid these negative coping strategies; rumination, helplessness, and social withdrawal will only make your Parkinson’s harder to deal with.