Unlike with the flu or a common cold, Parkinson’s disease will not disappear after a week or so. It is a debilitating condition that can considerably change a person’s lifestyle over time. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to improve your quality of life. Find out how to cope with Parkinson’s disease.
Seek Help and Support
It is important to seek help and support from the moment you receive a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis. Dealing with a diagnosis is bound to take an emotional toll, which is why you should consider counseling or speak to a mental health care provider. They can help you gain a greater understanding of the disease, while helping you cope with the mental, physical and emotional impact. For example, they could design a treatment plan tailored to your needs. You can undertake helpful strategies to help improve your quality of life.
Talk to Your Loved Ones
Many people are guilty of isolating their loved ones when dealing with a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis. Many people often do not want to talk about the condition, or they may want to pretend it is not happening. However, it is essential to lean on your loved ones for support, who will want to be there for you every step of the way.
Don’t be afraid to talk about how you are feeling or to ask for help or support when necessary. They will more than likely be happy to help, and can provide you with the love you need to make the condition feel a little easier to live with.
Ask Your Doctor Questions
Never be afraid to discuss the medical condition with your doctor, as they are there to help you live a longer, happier life. Feel free to ask a doctor, nurse or another health care provider as many questions as you have, and you can also ask them to repeat any instructions or medical terms that you do not remember or understand. It is their job to answer your questions while addressing any concerns you may have regarding the disease.
Reduce Your Stress Levels
Stress will only make Parkinson’s disease much worse, which is why you must learn to manage your stress levels successfully. As a result, you can take greater control of your emotional, physical and mental health. Try to create a stress-free daily routine, and ensure you set time aside in your day to relax and unwind either alone or with your loved ones.
Discuss Antidepressants with Your Doctor
It is common for people to experience depression following a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis. However, don’t suffer in sadness and silence and instead consult your doctor to discuss how you are feeling. He or she may choose to prescribe antidepressants that can boost your mood to restore your quality of life.
Do the Things You Love
Don’t allow Parkinson’s disease to stand in the way of the things you love. It is important to make time for the things you love, which will allow you to live your life to the full. It can help you take control of your happiness.
Join a Support Group
It is important to receive as much support as possible from both your loved ones or the community. That is why you should consider joining a support group, which can be a great place to share your experiences, as well as learning different ways to cope with your illness. It will also allow you to share your approach or tips with others, which can help other people living with Parkinson’s disease. It will also confirm you are not alone living with the condition.
Talk to a Counselor
A support group isn’t the only place you will have a forum to discuss any challenges you are facing with Parkinson’s disease. Counseling might be beneficial, as it will allow you to address any issues you are experiencing on a one-to-one basis. It is a place to articulate your private feelings, which you might not want to talk about with your family or friends. It will also allow you to discuss how the disease might be affecting your lifestyle or relationships.
Take Domperidone
Unfortunately, there are some Parkinson’s disease drugs that can cause feelings of nausea, which can take its toll on a person’s quality of life. Fortunately, you can acquire Domperidone from Canada Pharmacy, which can relieve the sickness feeling often caused by the Parkinson’s disease drugs.
A Healthy Diet
Sadly, people with Parkinson’s disease can develop various health issues, such as dehydration, bone thinning, bowel impaction and unplanned weight loss. It is therefore essential to enjoy a healthy diet. For example, you must aim to drink 8-ounce glass of water throughout the day to prevent dehydration. You should also enjoy a diet filled with bone-strengthening nutrients to prevent bone thinning, such as calcium, vitamins D and K and magnesium. Fight constipation and improve your general health by consuming a diet filled with fruits, vegetables and grain products, which can lower your fat intake while boosting your consumption of fiber, vitamins, minerals and complex carbohydrates.
Keep Moving
Mobility may not come as natural as it once did for people living with Parkinson’s disease. Yet, that doesn’t mean you should stop moving. There may come a day when you need a little support moving, but don’t give up your independence until necessary. Counteract the symptoms by incorporating physical activity into your daily routine, such as housework or gardening.
You could even ask a family member or friend to enjoy a walk with you in the great outdoors, or you could simply turn on your favorite song to enjoy a little dancing. You will feel better for it.
Conclusion
Parkinson’s disease is not a death sentence. There are many ways to improve your quality of life so that you can enjoy many happy years with the disease. Don’t be afraid to lean on your loved ones and/or a counselor for support, consider joining a support group, enjoy a healthy diet and aim to keep control of your stress levels.