Raise Awareness

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

Apr 30, 2025

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

Read 15 Actionable Ways to Practice Self-Care, a guide for care partners to relieve stress and boost mental health.

Discover How to Advocate for Your Mental Health with Parkinson’s

Explore our Emotional & Mental Health resources

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.

Educational Events

Learn More. Live Better. Parkinson's Symposium

Virtual ( Zoom )

February 7, 2026

9:00 am to 1:30 pm EST

FREE

Learn More. Live Better. Parkinson's Symposium banner

Living with Parkinson’s can be challenging, but there are many things you can do to maintain and improve your quality of life. This program will provide you with information to help you find the balance between a proactive approach and wondering what lies ahead.

Keynote Speaker

Michael S. Okun, MD
Adelaide Lackner Professor of Neurology
Executive Director, Normal Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases

Expert Speakers

Irene Malaty, MD, FAAN
Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases -
University of Florida Movement Disorders

Ihtsham ul Haq, MD, FAAN
Professor of Neurology and Chief of Movement Disorders Divisions
University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine
A Parkinson's Foundation Center of Excellence

Robert Hauser, MD, MBA
Director, Parkinson's Disease & Movement
University of South Florida
A Parkinson's Foundation Center of Excellence

Panelist

Ramón Rodríguez, MD, FAAN
Medical Director, Neurology One

Event Volunteers Needed! Service hours and lunch are provided. To sign up and learn more, visit: Volunteer sign-up here

Stay tuned for more information!

For in-person attendees: Check-in and Resource Fair start at 9 a.m. Lunch will be served. Drop-off areas are located in front of Faith Hall. Handicap and general parking is available in the Pink Lot.

For virtual attendees via Zoom: The live stream starts at 10 a.m.

There is no charge to attend, but registration is required since lunch will be served. This program is open to people with Parkinson's, their family, friends and the community.

Upcoming Events

Professional Education

Parkinson's Connect and Collaborate

An event designed to connect local professionals working in the Parkinson's community with resources for their Parkinson's patients and/or residents.

April 21, 2026

Colorado Springs, CO

Educational Events

Learn More. Live Better. Parkinson's Symposium

This program addresses some common challenges and will provide important information, resources, and strategies to help you every day.

April 22, 2026

Ypsilanti, MI

Educational Events

Latest Advances in Parkinson’s Treatments: What Veterans Need to Know

In this webinar, we’ll explore the latest evidence-based treatments available to veterans living with Parkinson’s, including emerging therapies and clinical trial opportunities.

April 23, 2026

Virtual

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Videos & Webinars

Expert Briefing: The Latest Advances in Parkinson’s Research and Treatment

April 9, 2025

Join us for an in-depth look at the latest advancements in Parkinson’s disease research and the emerging treatments. This webinar will cover the current medication pipeline, highlighting new therapies and their potential impact on symptom management. Participants will also learn how to identify and participate in relevant clinical studies, staying informed on the cutting-edge research that is shaping the future of Parkinson’s care.

Download Slides

Additional Resources

Presenter

Kevin McFarthing, PhD
Parkinson's Research Advocate, Oxford, UK

Fact Sheets

Steps to Prepare for a Parkinson’s Appointment

Download Fact Sheet

Start preparing at least two weeks before your next Parkinson's disease (PD) appointment so you’re ready to talk about what matters most to you.

Use this worksheet to choose your top three appointment topics. Consider working on it with someone you trust for another point of view.

Part 1: Think About How Parkinson’s Affects Your Life

Keep notes on PD concerns between appointments. Use a journal, send yourself an email, record a voice memo or use an app.

Consider each of these areas:

Physical health
Mental health
Family & friends
Work
Everyday activities, chores
Activities you enjoy, hobbies

Step 1) Symptoms: Reflect on what’s new or different.

Which symptoms bother you most? How do they impact your daily life?
What makes symptoms worse or better?
Did changes made at your last appointment help with symptoms (medications, therapy, diet)?
Have your family or friends noticed any changes?

Step 2) Goals: Consider what matters most to you.

What are you focused on right now (work, family, hobbies, travel)?
What activities do you want to keep doing?
Do symptoms make it hard to do the things you enjoy?

Step 3) Concerns: Think about your biggest questions or worries.

Are you worried about medications (not lasting as long, costs, side effects)?
How is Parkinson’s affecting your relationships?
Do you need help finding Parkinson’s resources and support?

Part 2: Decide What is Most Important for this Appointment

Step 4) Choose your top 3 topics for the appointment.

Now that you’ve reflected, think about what's affecting your daily life and needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Finish this sentence:

“If I can only discuss three things with my healthcare team during this visit, the most important are ______________.”

Step 5) Write down your top 3 topics.

Write topics in priority order and bring the list to share at the start of your next appointment. Be as specific as you can. For symptoms, include how often you have them and at what time of day they happen. Consider bringing a video of movement symptoms to show your healthcare team.

Important Reminders

Share any symptom that bothers you, even if you’re not sure it’s related to PD.
Bring a list of all your medications to your visits, including non-PD medications. Include the time you take them and the amount.
If possible, take someone you trust with you to appointments.
Learn about PD symptoms and treatments to help you communicate with your care team.

Need Help?

Contact the Parkinson’s Foundation Helpline at 1-800-4PD-INFO (473-4636) or Helpline@Parkinson.org. Our Helpline team can:

Help you prepare before an appointment.
Answer PD questions you didn’t address during appointments.
Locate PD specialists, support groups and exercise classes near you.

Educational Events

Cambios en el estado de ánimo y el pensamiento en la EP

Virtual ( Zoom )

August 27, 2025

1:00 pm to 2:00 pm EST

Gratis

Una pareja mirando una tableta juntos en su porche

Regístrese Aquí

En este webinar, exploraremos los cambios en el estado de ánimo y el pensamiento asociados con la enfermedad de Parkinson. Analizaremos cómo éstos afectan la vida diaria, las interacciones sociales y el bienestar emocional, tanto de las personas con Parkinson como de sus aliados en el cuidado. Además, discutiremos estrategias para afrontar estos cambios y aumentar la motivación.

Presentadora

Ileana Pacheco- Colón, PhD
Neuropsicóloga clínica
Licenciada en psicología
Neuropsychology Associates of Miami

¿En busca de algo más? Podrá encontrar todos nuestros videos de EP Salud en Casa en YouTube.

Más información:

Todos los eventos de “EP Salud en Casa" – Parkinson.org/EPSalud.

Una lista de nuestros recursos en español – Parkinson.org/Recursos

Línea de Ayuda – 1-800-473-4636, opción 3 para español.

EP Salud En Casa es presentado por Light of Day Foundation, cuya generosidad ha hecho posible esta programación.