What should I tell my family and friends?
Parkinson's does not just affect the person with the condition.
Partners, family members and friends also live with Parkinson's and
their individual circumstances will determine how they are
affected.
Roles within the family may gradually change
as the condition progresses. Discussing these changes within the
family will help make things easier. Even if you are a naturally
upfront sort of person, explaining Parkinson’s to people that you
meet in everyday situations can be daunting.
How and what you decide to tell others will depend on your
relationship with them, but here are some ideas.
Be honest. Your family and friends may sense
there is something wrong, and pretending otherwise may not
necessarily re-assure them. You may be closing down an important
source of support for you by not asking for help. Talk to your
doctor, our helpline 0808 800 0303 or
with a counsellor at an organisation such as Relate
One of the best sources of support can be talking to other
people who are going through the same thing. If you can get your
own thoughts in order, it will become much less difficult to
explain things to new people that you meet.
To find out if there is a local branch or support group in your
area, call our helpline 0808 800
0303 or visit the Find a local
branch or support group section of this website.
You may also find support and advice by chatting to others
on our forum
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