## Breadcrumb - [Home](/) - [Resources & Support](/resources-support) - [Parkinson's Today Blog](/resources-support/blog) ## Breadcrumb - [Home](/) - [Resources & Support](/resources-support) - [Parkinson's Today Blog](/resources-support/blog) Raise Awareness # Parkinson’s Q&A: How long does it take to accept a Parkinson’s diagnosis? Mar 10, 2022 ![a couple holding hands](/sites/default/files/styles/no_sizing/public/images/acceptingdiagnosis-blog.png?itok=nl8m_Uni) Navigating Parkinson’s disease (PD) can feel like a never-ending learning curve. [PD Conversations](https://www.pdconversations.org/s/) is a place to ask your Parkinson’s questions and connect with others living with the disease. In this blog series, we highlight a high-interest question addressed by the community in PD Conversations. **Question: How long does it take to accept a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis? Are there any resources that can help?** A Parkinson’s diagnosis can be emotionally distressing. Many people may feel [stressed](/library/fact-sheets/stress "Stress Management for PD"), [depressed](/understanding-parkinsons/non-movement-symptoms/depression "Depression") and afraid while some may feel relieved to finally have an answer that explains their symptoms. Feeling a myriad of emotions is a normal part of being [newly diagnosed](/understanding-parkinsons/getting-diagnosed "Getting Diagnosed"), but that does not mean it is an easy thing to experience. Many people struggle with accepting their PD diagnosis. It can be tempting to ignore the symptoms you experience or avoid talking about your concerns. Taking the time to respond to your Parkinson’s disease diagnosis is necessary to living well with PD, as it allows you to [chart a path forward](/blog/awareness/charting-a-course-for-pd-care "Charting a Course for Parkinson’s Care"). Working toward accepting your diagnosis will look different for each person with PD. Everyone has their own process and pace for making sense of this news and what it means for them. Set aside time to gather your thoughts, collect information and express your emotions with those you trust. ### Parkinson's Foundation Helpline Contact our Helpline at 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636) or Helpline@Parkinson.org for answers to your Parkinson’s questions. Helpline specialists can assist you in English or Spanish, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET. [LEARN MORE](/resources-support/helpline) You are not alone with Parkinson’s. Our PD Conversations community has some tips to help with adjusting to a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis: - Make time to continue doing the things and hobbies you enjoy. Self-care can help with getting from one day to the next. - Connect with loved ones and those who can understand what you are going through. It can be helpful to talk to others about your experiences. Find nearby exercise classes and support groups through your local [Parkinson’s Foundation Chapter](/resources-support/find-your-chapter "Find Your Chapter"). - Research and learn about Parkinson’s disease. It can be easier to accept your diagnosis once you know what options are available for living well with PD. We have many helpful [resources](/resources-support "Resources & Support") in our [PD Library](/resources-support/pd-library "PD Library") than can help. - Express your concerns about your new diagnosis to your healthcare team. They can offer direction about next steps and refer you to additional resources that can help. Utilize these newly diagnosed resources and share them with your loved ones: - [Coping with a Diagnosis](/understanding-parkinsons/getting-diagnosed/coping-with-diagnosis "Coping with a Diagnosis") - [Podcast: The Newly Diagnosed Experience](/library/podcast/91 "Episode 91: The Newly Diagnosed Experience") - [Newly Diagnosed: Living Your Best Life with Parkinson’s](/blog/research/newly-diagnosed "Newly Diagnosed: Living Your Best Life with Parkinson’s") Accepting a Parkinson's diagnosis is a challenge, but you are not alone in this process. We are here to support you and your family through your concerns. Contact the [Parkinson’s Foundation Helpline](/resources-support/helpline "Helpline") for answers to your PD questions at 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636). **Do you have a question for the PD community? Join the [PD Conversation](https://www.pdconversations.org/s/) in our discussion groups: [Newly Diagnosed](https://www.pdconversations.org/s/topic/0TO3b000000kU5FGAU/newly-diagnosed), [Symptoms](https://www.pdconversations.org/s/topic/0TO3b000000kU5KGAU/symptoms-of-pd), [Caregiving](https://www.pdconversations.org/s/topic/0TO3b000000kU5ZGAU/caregiving), [Tips for Daily Living](https://www.pdconversations.org/s/topic/0TO3b000000kU5UGAU/tips-for-daily-living), [Young-Onset](https://www.pdconversations.org/s/topic/0TO3b000000kU5eGAE/young-onset) and more.** ## Related Blog Posts ![DNA double helix](/sites/default/files/styles/500x360/public/images/lrrk2-blog-0826-hero.jpg?h=ed9ce7df&itok=ar_y6okl) Raise Awareness ### [ Parkinson’s Genes Explained: 5 Facts about LRRK2 ](/blog/awareness/5-facts-about-lrrk2) READ NOW ![Doctor speaking with patient](/sites/default/files/styles/500x360/public/images/neuro-talk-getting-diagnosed-blog-preview.jpg?h=9105c3fe&itok=hTcf9_Hk) Advancing Research ### [ Neuro Talk: Getting Diagnosed ](/blog/research/getting-diagnosed) READ NOW ![Press conference with Parkinson's Foundation group](/sites/default/files/styles/500x360/public/images/state-advocacy-blog-hero.jpg?h=ed9ce7df&itok=RQRZ_X7a) Policy & Advocacy ### [ Why State Advocacy Matters and What the Parkinson's Foundation Is Doing About It ](/blog/policy/why-state-advocacy-matters) READ NOW [VIEW ALL BLOGS](/resources-support/blog) ### Subscribe for the latest news - Share on Facebook - Share on X - Share on LinkedIn