Empathy Is One Thing, but Apathy Is Quite Another
Two words are often confused with each other in the English language: empathy and apathy. Not only are their meanings different, but they are also quite at opposition with each other. Both terms, however, can relate to Parkinson’s disease.
Empathy deals with being able to understand the thoughts and feelings of others. People with Parkinson’s are empathetic toward other people with the disease because they can understand and relate personally to what they are experiencing. A caregiver can empathize with another caregiver.
Apathy is a whole different ballgame.
Apathy is not caring about much of anything in life.
To take it a step further, I once heard someone put it this way: Apathy is not caring about whether or not you care.
It is easy to become apathetic when living and struggling with a chronic illness such as Parkinson’s disease. You may begin to notice that you don’t have the energy to do much of anything, nor do you have the motivation to want to do anything. You don’t have the stamina. With Parkinson’s, it’s easy to feel your staying power begin to fizzle away and your stick-to-itiveness begin to unstick. You feel like quitting. Nothing seems to hold meaning or purpose for you any longer.
Other people with Parkinson’s would empathize with how you feel. They would understand your lack of motivation, for it can come with the disease. Apathy eats away at you, until getting out of bed, off the couch, or out the door is as tough for a person with Parkinson’s as it is for them to tie their own shoes or button their own shirt. And we know how difficult those things can be! Apathy, however, is even more difficult to deal with. You just quit caring, but not because you want to.
Apathy sneaks in and tries to rob you of your joy, your motivation, your everything.
Should you begin to notice the signs of apathy in yourself or in a loved one with Parkinson’s disease, it is extremely important that you take measures to deal with it, as it can easily become a downward spiral that can be difficult to stop. Force yourself to get up and get out. Ask a friend to come over. Take a walk. Visit an animal shelter and find a new friend. Talk to your doctor as soon as you can.
Don’t wait to bring the issue out into the open with someone you trust. Life’s too short to let what you have left slip away to yet another symptom of this chronic disease.
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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 Services, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Parkinson’s disease.
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Comments
Tony Gunter
I did not realize this was a possible symptom of Pd, however I feel a lot of that. It’s difficult to get going and procrastinating more and more. In fact important paper sorting lags and lags. Simply seem to lack energy to get started.
Sherri Woodbridge
Hi Tony - Apathy is definitely Parkinson’s related and can be a difficult symptom to deal with. I would recommend talking with your doctor about your symptoms and see if there is something that might help. I take 5mg of Lexapro a day, which isn’t a lot but keeps me on an even keel most days. whatever you do, try not to give in to it and try to stay busy. Some days you’ll fee like you just can’t do it but make yourself do ‘it’.
Doug Manuel
Sherri,
Very good piece on apathy. The first step is made that much harder.
Parkinson's isolates one in so many ways. Exercise, social interaction, self confidence all suffer. Parkinson's has a built in trap. "Why try?". Incurable and progressive are not vary encouraging aspects for making the choice to get off the couch and get on with your life. We know we have lost a great deal, but that is exactly why we need use what we have now. One day at a time, set doable goals. You can pull yourself up by your bootstraps, look around and find a way to put apathy aside.
Sherri Woodbridge
Doug - sooooooo very well said. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts! Press on!
Tom Jones
I have Big Time Apathy. I want to sit in my chair all day and watch the world go by.
I was a radiologist. PD got me. I went from a life of big challenges to no challages. I have taken boxing. It is fine. I am scheduled for Mayo on June 10.
I plan to get a pet. All I want to do is sit in my chair and notice the world go by,
Sherri Woodbridge
Tom - thanks for sharing your experience - it’s a tough fight, apathy, but our we need to fight and stay above, if at all possible. i think a pet would be great. Gives us ‘someone’ to care for and take our mind off other things. I hope you find just the right one!
Rebecca Massey
I know that this may come as unexpected to most but I find Parkinsons Folk to be so courageous! And that’s the word. EVERYTHING is such a challenge.,. And you all meet it head on! Such a difficult time after the diagnosis but appears that once it’s sunk in, on
You people go trying to make others smile and laugh....
Take care . Keep goin!’
God Bless each one of you.
Keep showing us how to move on.
God Love ? is all, Rebecca
Sherri Woodbridge
Rebecca - what an encouraging comment! Thank you! One step, one day at a time...
Sophie Irwin
My best friend has been diagnosed with parkinsons. All he wants to do is no....thing. He sits down and closes his eyes. Doesn't respond... gets very angry... yells at me a lot and 'orders' me to do things.... (make dinner... do his laundry... open his water bottle...) We are (close) friends and have been living together (in a 'no' sex relationship) for over 30 years. He needs help... (and so do I....)