Anxiety

This information is adapted from the Parkinson’s UK information on Anxiety, which can be found here: Anxiety | Parkinson’s UK

What is anxiety?

People with Parkinson’s may experience anxiety including feelings of unease, worry and fear. But there are lots of things that can help.

A natural reaction to situations we find threatening or difficult is anxiety. But some people become anxious for long periods of time and without a clear reason. If you feel that anxiety is affecting your daily life, it is important to get support from others as well as find things you can do to manage your symptoms of anxiety. Talk to your Parkinson’s team or GP. There are links to some resources below which you might find helpful.

Symptoms of anxiety can include:

• A sense of dread
• Constant Worry
• Difficulty Concentrating
• Sweating
• A pounding or racing heart
• Tightness of the chest
• Dizziness
• Nausea and stomach cramps
• Difficulty maintaining restful sleep

In Parkinson’s anxiety is usually caused by a combination of several factors including imbalances in brain chemicals, genetics and stressful events. Some people find that it is much worse when they are “off”, but improves after taking medication. If this is the case, speak to your Parkinson’s team.

Family, friends and carers of people with Parkinson’s also often experience anxiety, fear about the future, depression, fatigue and concern about changes in your relationship. It’s important to look after yourself, physically and mentally. Many people in this situation find it helpful to join a support group where they can meet people in a similar situation. Parkinson’s UK runs local groups for people with Parkinson’s and their families and carers, and many groups put on special activities for carers.

How to manage anxiety

• Simple things can help, like doing things you enjoy, taking time to relax.
• A health, balanced diet. Avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol – these can both make the physical symptoms of anxiety worse.
• Exercise helps to combat stress and release anxiety. Find a form of exercise that you are able to do and that you enjoy. Yoga and Tai chi are forms of exercise reported to help ease anxiety.
• Mindfulness and cognitive behavioural therapy have been found to improve symptoms of anxiety in Parkinson’s. For more information and some useful resources and videos, please follow this link HERE.
• For some people, medication from their GP or Parkinson’s team can help ease anxiety.
• Some people find that complementary therapies such as massage and acupuncture help.

More information can be found in the Clinical Psychology section, and we encourage you to read the information and use the resources there.