The following information is an overview of some common reactions to the diagnosis of Parkinson's. It is intended as a starting point for learning, discussion and coping.
Parkinson Society British Columbia can provide you with a wide range of information, community resources and referral options to help you live well with your condition.
For more information, see the Programs and Services section or please contact us.
Everyone responds in a different way when told they have a serious condition. For some people, the diagnosis of Parkinson's is almost a relief. They may have been undergoing tests for a very long time and may have been worrying about the possibility of a brain tumor or other disease they feared greatly. Others, however, may not want to believe that they have Parkinson's and may need some time to accept the diagnosis.
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Some people have reactions that can include:
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Moving from perceiving yourself as a healthy person to one with Parkinson's can be a challenge. At first, some people have more emotional and psychological symptoms of Parkinson's rather than physical symptoms, making the adjustment, in some cases, a more lengthy process.
A wide variety of emotional reactions are normal and very common.
Wanting to deny that the diagnosis is accurate is a common initial reaction. While denial can stop someone from seeking appropriate treatment and support, it can also serve a positive function by helping create the attitude of "I'm going to fight this and not let it control me!". Some people develop a fight-back approach that keeps them going at the time of diagnosis. In the very early stages, denial is not necessarily a problem.
Some people with Parkinson's want to avoid being identified by their condition and one way of doing so is to not tell anyone about the diagnosis. A person may fear being labeled as sick or disabled. They may fear that they will be viewed differently and that their privacy may be violated.
Many people accept the diagnosis and are willing to tell the people closest to them. Not all people wrestle with being identified as a person with Parkinson's.
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Factors that may affect one's comfort level with talking about Parkinson's can include:
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Any chronic condition has the potential for raising questions about who we are and what the future may hold.
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Some people will have questions such as:
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For more information, please download our new Help Sheets:
Many of these issues are discussed at Parkinson Society British Columbia's 50 Self-help Support Groups and group members can provide a wealth of knowledge of how to effectively adapt to having Parkinson's.
Click on the following links for more information on:
Remember, no two people adapt to Parkinson's in the same way and some have a more difficult time than others. In many cases talking to family and friends, learning about Parkinson's, and joining a support group can make a real difference. Please contact us for more information!
New Diagnosis Seminar
Every two years PSBC hosts a New Diagnosis seminar. Please contact us for information about the next seminar.
Some of the more important pages to review as a newly diagnosed person include:
