Cathy Chiaramonte
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Had anxiety decades before diagnosis. Symptoms worsened greatly since diagnosis and seem to be resistant to medication. I have a wonderful psychiatrist who works with me, trying to find the most effective combination of meds. I do tai chi, yoga, Rock steady Boxing and meditation. The year of Covid living made everything worse because I was so isolated (I live alone and had just retired). What helps is being with people and having (I am still searching) a sense of purpose. I need not tell anyone who has anxiety how debilitating it is. For me , it is worse part of having Parkinson’s.
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Yes, for me, depression and especially anxiety are the most difficult part of having Parkinson’s. I was so glad to find this thread because I feel like this topic is hardly ever discussed and it makes it a very lonely experience. I am drug resistant and am fortunate enough to have a psychiatrist who refuses to give up. I have been on so many medications and tried transcranial magnetic stimulation, with no lasting effect. I need to know others know what this feels like and believe it can eventually be managed. I need hope for a decent life.
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I am so very sorry for what you have endured and celebrate your resilience. What I have learned is that you must be your own advocate. There is no one answer and what works today may not work next month but you can have periods of relative peace. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers and I hope that we stay in touch. I am preparing to move in the next few months and know that will heighten my anxiety. I am determined to take it one day at a time. There is no other way I know that works.