Today I am answering a question that a few people
have written asking me: “How do I tell my family I've been diagnosed with
Parkinson’s?”
Sorry, but there is no simple, easy
painless way of telling one’s family and friends that you’ve been diagnosed
with Parkinson’s, or any disease for that matter. Family relationships are so individual
and personal; reactions can be that of complete devastation, others whilst
shocked to hear the news immediately show concerned support. In my particular
case, we happened to be hosting a family get together at our house, where
everyone clearly saw I was shaking; unable to pour the tea, it was a very
visual picture, preparing the way for me telling them I had just been diagnosed
with Parkinson’s. Parkinson’s is not something you can hide, nor should it be
tucked away like a dark family secret. Being honest and upfront with your
family and close friends, although hard to break the news, is ultimately the
only way to go. Sadly there will always be those who cannot handle this new
information and might curiously disappear from your life, but the people who
really count, will rally around and the more informed they are about your
condition, makes it easier for them to understand what you are going through.
Though devastated they may be, I do believe that almost everyone will take their cue from you, how you handle the situation. The caring ones will be concerned for you, not themselves. If they notice that you are in turmoil, scared, ill-informed, etc., that is how they will react in return. You must be strong of mind and well knowledgable about your condition before announcing anything, so that you can help them understand what is happening to you and what to expect, also how they can help you. You need to be able to arrest their fears, too, and let them know they are strong and you are looking to them for their support in your time of need.
ReplyDeleteKate