I was asked if I would give a talk to the Kettering Parkinson’s group. So, it got me thinking How to Help Parkinson’s Anxiety? Hypnotherapy won’t prevent or stop the progression of Parkinson’s disease. However, it might help stave off early symptoms of the disorder. It can help carers and families to remain positive, and ensure you look after yourselves. Our aim is the future, which will make you fulfilled.
Mental Health issues of Parkinson’s
People with Parkinson’s can find it a challenge with their mental health. Depression, anxiety, and memory problems are all quite common. This can be brought on by physical changes in the brain. Or the stress of receiving the diagnosis of Parkinson’s, and the fear of the unknown, can spiral us into the negative thoughts. Anxiety is caused by negative thinking. It’s not the events in our lives that necessarily cause the perception of crisis. It’s our thought patterns surrounding the events in our life. Our brain’s instinct is to take the threat and inflate it, this is part of our survival response. We are programmed to focus on the worst-case scenario, this may be helpful in some situations, but in most cases it is not.
It’s important for family, friends, and carers, to recognise that the mood of someone with Parkinson’s can negatively affect their own emotions. This is due to our mirror neurons which work out how someone else is feeling. If you think of interacting with a baby, when you smile at them, they smile back at you. You frown, they frown. This is their way to try and work out your mood. This stays with us throughout life. Have a read of the Emotional and Behavioural Signs of Stress to find out more signs to look out for, including within your support network.
The role of Dopamine
The Substantia Nigra, centre mid brain, is responsible for producing Dopamine. This neurotransmitter acts as a messenger between other parts of the brain and connects the nervous system. Dopamine plays a part in our motivation and reward. Consequently, when you do something good or pleasurable you get flooded with the neurotransmitter, making you want to do it again. It also connects the nervous system to control and co-ordinate smooth, controlled body movements.
With Parkinson’s these nerve cells die or become damaged, therefore the amount of Dopamine in the brain is reduced. You may experience low energy or fatigue, inability to focus, feeling anxious, lack of motivation. Physical movements become slow and abnormal, with tremors and stiffness. The symptoms develop when 50% of the nerve cells have deteriorated. It is unknown as to why this happens, possibly genetics or environmental factors.
How can I help reduce Anxiety?
Parkinson’s UK have recognised that complimentary therapies can Help Parkinson’s Anxiety and ease physical symptoms. Plus helping the medication to work more effectively.
Solution Focused Hypnotherapy
can help you to reduce your anxiety and help you to find ways to boost your natural Dopamine by:
- retraining your brain to look for the positives. Thus, calming and controlling the negative thoughts.
- increasing motivation in our actions. Either physical exercise which boosts your Endorphins and Dopamine. Or mindful actions, meditation and relaxation techniques which counteract the stress hormones. Relax to my recording Calm Anxiety.
- keeping positive interactions with others, as mentioned earlier about mirror neurons!
- regaining purpose in your life, by helping you come to terms and cope with the diagnosis. Focusing on a more positive future.
- achieving better sleep patterns. If you Can’t Get to Sleep night after night, this will have a detrimental effect on your Mental and Physical Health.
Sessions are approximately an hour and either in my therapy room in Great Addington or online over zoom, which is just as safe and effective. We go through many coping techniques and deep relaxation. We can create the change you need in your life, by focusing on the goals which will provide your solution, to reducing Parkinson’s Anxiety.
Holistic Therapy
I also work as a Beauty and Holistic therapist. I’ve been helping people find care and confidence as a beauty therapist for over 30 years. The feeling you get after taking some time and attention for yourself, is something I’ve always been pleased to offer.
In my therapy room in Great Addington, I offer Reflexology, Aromatherapy, Indian head massage, and massage, as well as full range of beauty therapy. There is plenty of choice to choose from in your important bit of “me time”. It is essential for families and carers to take some time too.
I hope the information has clarified How to Help Parkinson’s Anxiety. I am fully qualified, verified and insured and hold an enhanced DBS. I offer a free initial consultation phone call, to find out your needs and work out the best program to help. Above all, to find out if I am the right therapist for you.
