<br><br><br><br><br>I thought we had a group with Theresa.<br><br>Steve  

Indeed @ggopher. It's the same gang of people, with Teresa at the helm. However, formerly the Parkinson's discussions were mixed in with the Brain & Nervous System group and topics of all things related to neurology. This group or section of the community is dedicated to topics specifically related to Parkinson's. If you click this link https://connect.mayoclinic.org/groups, you can see all the groups of Connect.

Make sense?

<br><br><br><br><br>Got it, thanks.<br><br>Steve  

I have been diagnosed with Parkinson's 3-4 years now- really been affected by it the last 2 years, what's hard to deal with is-most al of my friends and co-workers has stopped coming around or even calling. I would say even my family at times think I'm too needy - about friendships and just being around people- which is also very hurtful to hear from those who ( I know -love me) but at times that doesn't come out maybe the way they mean it-or if I'm depressed from the parkinson's. So I have been isolating myself for the last year, not really seeing or talking to anyone and no one seems to pick up on the being alone -issues and think and tell me it's my fault, which I know it's not- God know we all need people and real friends- just to be friends. JJAMES

@johnjames Thanks so much for sharing with us the difficult place that you find yourself in right now. I appreciate your honesty. I'm sure that you are hurting right now. Because Parksinson's is a brain disorder, there is an emotional component to having PD.When you say, that it's not your fault, you are right, it is most likely a brain chemistry problem. I would encourage you to talk with a doctor about how you are feeling. There are some good meds that help deal with the brain chemistry problem that Parkinson's causes.. There are a lot of different meds available, if one does not work you can always try another. I am hopeful that once the meds help the brain chemistry problem, you can then begin to get out with others. This might include a support group, an exercise class (water exercise is very good) and you will begin to feel better. Keep us posted on how you are doing. At one time those of us with PD have been where you are and we know the road out of isolation and depression is not an easy road to travel, but once you begin the journey you will be so glad that you did. Best wishes, my friend!

Hi JohnJames, Thanks for having the courage to reach out when your instinct is to isolate yourself. I'm bringing @trouble4343 into this conversation because she, too, has experience with Parkinson's and managing mental health.

@johnjames
I totally understand. The same thing has happened to my husband, who has dementia, and myself. Friends, and most family, have done the disappearing act. I saw the same thing happen with my parents - who had been VERY involved, social people - when my father had Alzheimer's.

I'm not sure what that is about. A lot of people who are relatively well just don't want to deal with illness - even the ill person's children, often do not want to deal with it. I also think that many, if not most, people in our society, get pretty freaked out about anything that effects the brain, cognition, functionality. There is a real lack of maturity in many people when it comes to those things.

If you could become involved in a support group, at least there would surely be others who have the same situation as you do, who would understand what you are going through, and may even have some helpful suggestions, or may be interested in having coffee some time. I'm still working on this myself. It may not be our preference, but, at least, it is something, and it is a place to start.

Wishing you strength and success.

Macbeth

Thank you for sharing- right now I'm at the complete " burned out level" in time I'm sure-as you said it will get better, it's hard to believe friends and family -after 20-30 years turn the other way. WOW- Thank God He doesn't HOOAH

I have been looking for a support group- and not been real sucessfull in that area, it me I'm sure, being a retired soldier after 40 plus years-it hard to be around allot of people. Hope that doesn't sound like a cop out. Thanks much JJAMES

@johnjames
No, it doesn't sound like a cop-out. I've always been pretty quiet and inward, and it's difficult for me, too - also with family, some of whom I've fallen away from over the years, too. I get it.

Best wishes,

Macbeth