What is a Clinical Psychologist?
How can a Clinical Psychologist help?
Clinical Psychologists can help with the following:
- Adjusting to a diagnosis and the psychological changes that go along with this
- Worry or anxiety
- Low mood or depression
- Difficulties with sleep
- Seeing or hearing things that other people do not (hallucinations)
- Changes in relationships and interactions with others
- Supporting with ways of managing pain, discomfort or physical symptoms
- Helping with complex feelings that may be associated with the diagnosis such as loss, shame, guilt or self-criticism
- Supporting with ways of being compassionate towards oneself
- Memory or concentration difficulties
- Supporting carers or family members
Receiving a diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease
Receiving a diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease can take time to understand and adjust to. Understandably, there are often many complex feelings associated with a new diagnosis. Some people feel anxious and fearful about the future, some feel angry at themselves for not spotting the symptoms sooner and others may try to avoid or deny their symptoms and try to carry on as normal. Other people may feel relieved to have a diagnosis, or hopeful that treatment can help them feel better.
Talking to other people you trust can help to process complex emotions. Sometimes, people say they do not wish to burden family members or friends and would prefer to talk with someone neutral.
Parkinson’s UK have a helpline to support people to discuss issues such as these 0808 800 0303.