The nudge I needed to better manage my anxiety with Parkinson’s

I recently started seeing a new neurologist after the doctor I’ve had since my Parkinson’s diagnosis moved out of state. This has been a big deal for me; I even devoted a column to how much I’ll miss her.

I loved my doc. She saw me through 12-plus years of medication changes, life changes, deep brain stimulation surgery, and more. But as much as I will miss her, I’m trying to be optimistic. I live near Boston, an area with tons of amazing specialists, and I found one to take over my care.

Our initial meeting was positive, and I kept reminding myself that different isn’t bad. In fact, when I shared some of my story and current symptoms with my new doctor, she picked up on things I hadn’t thought about in a while — in particular, my anxiety.

Recommended Reading

July 17, 2025 News by Andrea Lobo

MJFF funding novel study of anxiety mechanisms in Parkinson’s

Grateful for a different perspective

About 40% of people with Parkinson’s disease experience anxiety, which makes sense, because anyone faced with a chronic and degenerative diagnosis has reason to be anxious. But it’s particularly insidious for Parkinson’s patients because changes in the brain can increase anxiety, and anxiety can make other symptoms, like tremor and dyskinesia, worse. It’s a vicious cycle.

I’ve been on a mild anti-anxiety and depression medication since shortly after my diagnosis. It is one of the many SSRIs, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, available. Depression has never been a big issue for me. I mean, come on, I’m the unshakable optimist! Depression has no place here! But my anxiety has been more prevalent lately, showing up in new ways.

For instance, I’m unable to relax if there are dirty dishes in the sink. I know that is not uncommon, particularly for women, but as my husband can attest, if I’m voluntarily cleaning, something is up! I was never dirty or gross, but I certainly was willing to walk away from a sink full of dishes.

My anxiety isn’t causing problematic behaviors, which can happen with conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder, but it is more pronounced than before. I’ve sort of just been living with it. I mean, it’s not bad that our kitchen is cleaner. And I grew up with a dad who would routinely turn off the lights in a room you were still in to conserve energy, or put away a dish on the counter before you’d even had a chance to use it. And don’t get me started on the emptying of trash cans multiple times a day! Being a neatnik was a family trait I thought I was finally growing into.

But in sharing all of this with my new doctor, she and my nurse asked me about seeing a therapist. I have a lot going on. I have a busy job, a busy life, and I’ve had to change my primary care doctor and neurologist within a month of each other. Oh, and I’ve had Parkinson’s disease for almost 13 years. It’s a lot.

I’m not against therapy in any way, but when you’re busy, it can feel a little selfish and indulgent to spend an hour a week talking about yourself. But I also know firsthand that therapy works. I’ve seen therapists at various points in my life and gotten some good advice and strategies.

It’s been seven or eight years since I last saw one, and I agree with my new neurologist that it might be time to try it again. It doesn’t mean I’ll be seeing a therapist forever, but they may be able to give me some tools to help manage my anxiety, which will, in turn, help manage my other symptoms.

My relationship with my new neurologist may be just beginning, but getting new perspectives on what might help me continue to manage my Parkinson’s is a good start.

Note: Parkinson’s News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Parkinson’s News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Parkinson’s disease.