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Caring for the Mind: 10 Parkinson’s Mental Wellness Resources

Older woman staring out of the window in despair

Parkinson’s disease (PD) can feel overwhelming. Managing symptoms, navigating physical and mental changes and making lifestyle adjustments can take an emotional toll. As you find your path forward, it’s essential to also take care for your mental health.  

When it comes to mental health:

  • Nearly 50% of all people with Parkinson's will experience depression at some point
  • 40% will experience anxiety
  • Nearly 50% of people with PD can also experience apathy (a loss of interest)

These changes can be related to PD, due to a loss of dopamine and other chemical messengers the body makes to keep the brain healthy.  Whether you live with PD or you are a care partner to someone who does, it can be challenging to know where to begin.

Explore our top resources that address mental wellness and PD: 

1. Create space for all your emotions, even those of grief and loss. 

Grief is a natural part of the Parkinson’s journey, especially following a diagnosis. Holding onto grief impacts your mind and body. Read 6 Questions for Exploring Your Parkinson’s-Related Grief to find healthy ways to process feelings of loss. 

2. Read Mood: A Mind Guide to Parkinson's Disease. 

PD-related mood changes are commonly undertreated. There are screening tools and therapies available. Learn what to watch for and how to discuss treatment options with your doctor.  

3. Cultivate calm with Mindfulness Mondays guided relaxations. 

Stress can worsen PD symptoms. Mindfulness, focusing on one thing at a time and blocking out distractions, promotes resiliency and reduces stress. 

4. Learn about PD and cognition, the mental skills we use to focus, solve problems, plan, follow instructions and more.  

Thinking changes can influence mental health. Addressing Thinking Changes in Parkinson's identifies coping strategies and therapies for cognitive change. 

5. Exercise. Try our free, on-demand Fitness Friday workouts.  

Exercise is medicine. Regular exercise can ease depression, anxiety and other non-movement symptoms of PD, as well as improve mobility and flexibility. Aim for at least 2.5 hours a week.  

6. Build your mental health team. 

Mental health support helps you prioritize your emotional well-being and work through your feelings. To know what to look for in a mental health counselor, read 7 Helpful Tips for Finding Your Ideal Mental Health Counselor. 

7. Try complementary therapies.

Non-drug treatments — including massage, acupuncture, red light therapy and CBD — can be used to support well-being alongside traditional PD treatments. Learn more with our article: Exploring Complementary Therapies and Functional Medicine in Parkinson's Care.

8. Socialize. Connect with your PD community online or in person. 

Loneliness affects physical and mental health. Find your nearest Moving Day, A Walk for Parkinson’s to meet others living with PD or find an exercise or wellness class near you through the Parkinson's Foundation Chapter network. 

9. Have the difficult conversation. You are not alone. 

People with Parkinson’s are at an increased risk of suicide. If you are struggling with thoughts of despair, opening up to someone you trust is the first step toward getting the help you need. How to Openly Discuss Suicide and Parkinson’s can help you talk about difficult feelings. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 1-800-273-8255. 

It's also never too early or late to bring up topics many consider taboo, from impulse control disorders to caregiver burnout. To learn more about them and how to address them, read our article Taboo Parkinson's Topics and How to Address Them. 

10. Get inspired. Learn how others are navigating life with Parkinson’s. 

My PD Story is a place for where people share how they are acknowledging and overcoming the challenges of living with PD. Learn what keeps others hopeful and consider sharing your own story.  

Learn More 

We’re here for you. Contact our Helpline more information on mental health, referrals to professionals and resources in your area. Call 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636) or email Helpline@Parkinson.org. 

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