A combination of lack of dopamine, the emotional impact of receiving a diagnosis and the range of changes that affect day to day living can increase the risk of depression for people with Parkinson’s. Being aware of the symptoms and knowing who to contact is important to get the appropriate support.

What is Depression?

Depression is a feeling of sadness, heaviness or low spirits which lasts for a long time. In milder forms it can be a long period of feeling low in mood, or less motivated. In more severe cases it can lead to feelings of worthlessness and even make some people feel suicidal. However severe it is, depression makes everything seem harder and less worthwhile. People can feel:

• Down, upset or tearful
• Restless, agitated or irritable
• A lack of interest or pleasure in usual activities
• Guilty or worthless
• Empty or numb
• Anxious or worried
• Hopeless and despairing
• In severe cases, like hurting themselves or dying

Ways people can behave:

• Avoiding people or social events
• Difficulty concentrating or remembering things
• Having trouble sleeping, or sleeping too much
• Over eating or loss of appetite
• Using more tobacco, alcohol or drugs than usual
• Less sex drive
• Harming themselves

Depression is an illness that can affect anybody at any stage of their lives. It is not a sign of weakness, or anybody’s fault and there is support and help available.

Depression in Parkinson’s

Some of the symptoms of Parkinson’s such as sleep problems, fatigue, apathy and “Off” periods can mimic depression. This means it can sometimes be difficult to tell the two apart. Talk to your GP or Parkinson’s team if you are experiencing any of these thoughts, feelings or behaviours.

What to do about Depression

• Talk to someone you trust. Even if you feel awkward opening up about your feelings, many people find that sharing their feelings improves how they feel.
• Get support from people going through the same thing. Contact Parkinson’s UK on hello@parkinsons.org.uk or on 0808 800 0303 to find out about groups near you.
• Exercise – physical activity and exercise can boost your mood, improve sleep and improve the movement symptoms of Parkinson’s. Exercising with a group is particularly helpful in depression.
• Relaxation – Build time into your schedule to do things that help you to relax. Some people find that listening to music, reading, spending time in nature, yoga or tai chi help them, but do what works for you.
• There are several psychological approaches which are shown to help with depression. Follow this link for more information about mindfulness and cognitive behavioural therapy. If you speak to your GP or Parkinson’s team, they will be able to recommend what talking therapies are available locally. This information may also be available on the local information section.
• Medication – There are several different types of medication which can help treat depression. Your GP or Parkinson’s team will talk though the different options if they feel that antidepressants could help you. It can take several weeks to start noticing an improvement in depression after starting medication.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach for managing depression. If you think you or a family member may be suffering with depression, please talk to your GP or Parkinson’s team who will be able to work with you to establish a plan. If you have thoughts about hurting yourself of ending your life then please do not keep it to yourself. Please talk to your GP as soon as possible, who will not judge you, but will make urgent arrangements for you to access the help that you need to keep you safe. Remember that you can contact the Samaritans at any time, 24 hours a day, for a confidential, non-judgemental listening ear. Adapted from Parkinson’s UK information on depression Depression | Parkinson’s UK and the charity Mind’s information on Depression. Both of these pages are available in Welsh have more information, advice and links.