Being Social

If you have Parkinson's then you will understand and be able to relate to what I am saying today. If you do not, I hope that I manage to convey what often is not understood, yet is actually part of the disease. Maintaining one's social life is very important - both for sufferer and caregiver. However going out, whether to a restaurant or to someone's house can put considerable stress on someone with Parkinson's. Even though it might be a party to celebrate a happy occasion, the thought of meeting someone I don’t know, and having to explain once again that I have Parkinson's, or seeing someone who I've not seen for some time, realising they may be shocked at a decline in my condition all causes stress. In a situation where there are multiple conversations going on, I find it very difficult to follow, and need to focus on just one person. I find noisy environments are highly disturbing, and often at a dinner party I am the last one to finish eating. Trying to make conversation and eat at the same time, as simple as this may sound, for a Parkinson's patient, becomes quite difficult. Loud music can also cause interference in a social setting, along with loss of facial expression and fatigue. All these seemingly small things, are HUGE to a Parkinson's patient, and can often deter one from going out. Many patients are reticent about venturing out socially, yet however difficult socializing becomes, it's an important part of our lives, and essential to one's emotional welfare and that of our family to maintain a social life.