Note: Edited version of post originally published on March 12, 2020 by Elizabeth “Eli” Pollard on Linkedin.

Anxiety is common symptom for people with Parkinson's disease. Defined by Merriam-Webster as an "apprehensive uneasiness or nervousness usually over an impending or anticipated ill," anxiety can lead to an abnormal and overwhelming sense of fear. In these current times of the COVID-19 virus, anxiety is all around us. To layer in a chronic disease such as Parkinson's can elevate anxiety beyond what you may normally experience.

Since the emergence of the corona virus, it's been drilled into our heads that we need to wash our hands excessively, avoid crowds, and when possible, curtail traveling. This is great for keeping us from getting the virus, but what about keeping our minds healthy? You can't wash your brain excessively, so what can you do?

Top advice for people with Parkinson's who ask about tips for optimal health usually go in this order...(1) find a movement disorder doctor and build out your care team with a nurse, PT, OT, SLP, SW and others, (2) get your medications in order and then actually take them!, and (3) exercise, exercise, exercise. What's else? This is all excellent advice and something people with PD should be following, but it's important that you tack on (4) take care of your mind and find ways to lessen the stress and anxiety in your life. This is particularly important at this time. You may find ways to lessen anxiety through mindfulness activities or meditation. Each person will find their own path to supporting their brain health. This is something everyone can benefit from, but particularly for those of you living with PD, I urge you to give extra attention to this part of your wellness plan, if you aren't already doing so.

In the late 90s I came across a book by Dr. Andrew Weil, "Eight Weeks to Optimum Health." You may recognize his name, Dr. Weil is somewhat of a celebrity doctor, even before that was thing. He trained in medicine at Harvard but then spent years studying and learning about alternative medicines and eventually went on to open his own Center for Integrative Medicine in Arizona. Long story short, he knows what he's talking about. A number of things stood out in his book to me, but one of them I have carried with me since that first reading, it's to care for your mind by engaging in a "news fast." This is his terminology and while you may have heard this advice before, perhaps you haven't, so I am writing today to suggest that you consider having your own 'news fast' this week to help lessen your anxiety.

News is stressful. Especially the televised media and online media which garners more views and clicks if it's more sensationalized. Ask yourself, do you really need to have a second by second report of the COVID-19 pandemic where every case is popping up? Just thinking about that makes me anxious! This sort of information is anxiety-inducing for everyone. If you or someone you love is living with Parkinson's, a disease that causes chemical changes in the brain that lead to a high rate of anxiety you should to give this special attention. My suggestion to you is the following:

1) Stay the course on your medication regimen. If you are running low on your meds, perhaps contact your doctor now to get a new prescription so you don't have to worry about running out. Keep doing what you usually do to stay healthy. You may not be able, for safety reasons, to make your doctor appointments this month or next month. If this is the case, I suggest you contact your doctor’s office and ask about a video conference or phone call to talk through what you are experiencing. If you only see your doctor once or twice a year, it’s important that you share with them how you are feeling. The good thing is that your doctor is most likely NOT traveling right now so she might have more time than she usually has to talk with you.

2) Exercise. You most like cannot attend your regular exercise class. Most, if not all, classes have been cancelled to minimize the spread of the virus. You can still stay dedicated to your exercise routine. Why not call a friend or use Skype or zoom and do a virtual exercise class together. It may seem silly, but laughter is medicine, so if you can safely exercise even a little at home and laugh, perhaps a lot, that's even better!! Before you know it, the exercise classes will be back on track and COVID-19 will be a memory.

3) Stay connected.  Communication is more important now than ever before. Stay connected with your community through calls and social media group networking. You may not be able to attend your favorite support group, but you should still reach out to those members who you care so much about. Human interaction is important. Stay connected! Even if it's not face to face, this human connection is valuable and will help pass the time until you can be together again.

Research on loneliness has shown that it is a risk factor for dementia and current research in Parkinson’s has indicted that loneliness may speed up the progression of Parkinson’s. It’s important to recognize that loneliness is a temporary feeling, it doesn’t last forever. If you are feeling lonely, your social needs are not being met. In her research at Florida State University, Associate Professor Sutin showed that loneliness doesn’t always mean being socially isolated. Some people enjoy being alone, but don’t define that as loneliness, while others, even when surrounded by friends report that they feel lonely. It’s important to know that the state of loneliness is a fluid state and you won’t always feel this way. If you are lonely, start by reaching out to someone. Let them know how you are feeling. Take it one step at a time.

4) Try a News Fast. While it may seem hard to turn off the TV, or to put down your phone or tablet, try it. Consider it a respite for your mind. Read a book, call a friend, try making that new recipe you've been wanting to try. This past week I finally tried out my new Insta-Pot and made a great black been soup! Shift your focus away from the news and media and see if you can even carve out a dedicated "news fast" period each day. Not only will your mind appreciate it, you may notice a decrease in your anxiety - and you'll get so many other things done!

If you do try a news fast, please tell me about it! I would love to know how it felt for you and what you did in place of watching or reading news that you may have otherwise not done. Send your "How I spent time during my News Fast" story to me at eli@worldpdcoalition.org. I may just follow up with you for a Part II to this post.

I am listing below a few resources on anxiety and Parkinson's. Arm yourself with information. The more you know, the better prepared you can be to identify and address the symptoms if they emerge.

Take care of yourself.

RESOURCES ON ANXIETY & PARKINSON'S

(1) WPC Blog post by Dr. Roseanne Dobkin. Getting a Grip on Anxiety.

(2) Parkinson's Foundation Fact Sheet.

(3) Parkinson's UK Website.

(4) WPC Ambassador Larry Gifford's podcast, When Life Gives you Parkinson’s. Shaking the Stigma of Depression and Anxiety.

Edited version of post originally published on March 12, 2020 by Elizabeth "Eli" Pollard on Linkedin.

Elizabeth "Eli" Pollard is the Executive Director of the World Parkinson Coalition® from its inception in 2004 she helped steer the organization, alongside world renowned Parkinsonologist and WPC founder, Dr. Stanley Fahn.

Ideas and opinions expressed in this post reflect that of the author(s) solely. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the World Parkinson Coalition®