Parkinson’s Ireland had a very busy and exciting year. We wanted to take the opportunity…
Hello, How are you? Mental Health Ireland Campaign
Parkinson’s Ireland are happy to support the Mental Health Ireland HELLO, How Are You? campaign launched this week.
The campaign aims to tackle the lack of connection or belonging that people experience by inspiring individuals to ask how others are feeling. This opens up a conversation to allow people to listen and encourage action by signposting to local supports and services.
Please click here for further information on their campaign.
We are very much aware of the non-motor symptoms that those with Parkinson’s may experience. These can include the category of psychological or psychiatric symptoms such as anxiety, depression and apathy.
Speaking about mental health/ emotional health/ psychological wellbeing is a topic that is sometimes overlooked and stigmatised.
It is crucial to speak about these symptoms, if you are experiencing them, just as you would if you had a physical symptom or complaint. Work life, family life and health can contribute to a change in your mental health. There are multiple stressors that can heighten the load.
A study in 2022 by Weintraub, Daniel et al suggest that approximately 50% of people with Parkinson’s may experience one of the below symptoms:
Within Parkinson’s a physical symptom (tremor or freezing) or wearing off of medication, can accelerate psychological symptom such as anxiety which in turn increases the tremor and leads to a spiral effect. Knowing this is the key and learning how to break that cycle is an important step.
The WHO define good mental health as a state of wellbeing where individuals are able to:
There are three areas you can look at to adopt a Positive Mental Outlook:
Parkinson’s Ireland zoom sessions with Dee Daly
Keep an eye for our Mindfulness sessions and our Psychological Wellbeing sessions we offer weekly to members. These will be restarting in September, after the summer break.
If you would like to speak with one of our Parkinson’s nurse specialist, please contact 1800 359 359. Please note this is not an emergency support line, we are happy to discuss your Parkinson’s management & symptoms but if in a crisis please consider the below services.
GP Services
Your GP is often the first point of contact for accessing mental health assistance. While discussing mental health concerns with your GP may initially feel challenging, remember that they are there to help and can provide guidance on available resources. In cases of crisis or emergency, there are numerous helplines available for immediate assistance. Click here for GP Out of Hours Services.
Additional Services
Pieta House provides free therapeutic support. They can be contacted 24 hours a day by phone on 1800 247 247.
They also offer a text service – Text HELP to 51444 (standard message rates apply).
Visit Pieta for more information.
Samaritans provide a free support service and are available 24 hours a day on freephone 116 123. Visit Samaritans for more information.
Text About It is a free, anonymous messaging service which is operational 24/7. To engage with this text HELLO to 50808. Providing everything from a calming chat to immediate support for people going through a mental health or emotional crisis. Visit Text About It for more information.
Other Useful Resources:
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