@johnjames, first and foremost, I want you to know that we are here and we will always listen. While you are trained in psychology, there are times that we all need the help of a professional. JJames, do you have a therapist?

You are carrying a big load. I hope sharing your burden can help lighten the load. I know you've connected with @trouble4343 in the past and talked about dealing with PD/mental health combination. Dorothy, I was wondering if you had some thoughts to share with JJames?

Thank you for your feed back- it is most appreciated- I see a therapist once in a while, not very often- I have a dear wife who has medicals issues as well- all physical and I really can't to do the best I can for all involved. God keeps me going and He understands deep depression- something that's a burden for sure- but it is what is. Thanks Much. JJAMES

@johnjames Please know that we care for you and your needs for support and encouragement, especially when you are feeling low. Our own physical illnesses (combined with those who we love) can be very disheartening. You have shared with others so beautifully and we value both your responses and your sharing of your needs as well. I know that I'm going to sound like the proverbial "broken record" here, but have you considered a personal support group and/or an exercise program. I believe that you live in the Phoenix area and Barrow Neurological Institute has many support groups, here is the link, https://www.barrowneuro.org/patients-families/. I recognize in the past that you have not shown an interest in personal one-on-one support groups, but as a favor to me would you at least look at the web site and see if there is a group nearby and just call and inquire about their meetings? Also, there is a great DVD exercise program for folks with PD that might interest you. If you would like more information I'll send it to you by private email as I know that we are not suppose to advertise products. Thank you for reaching out to us with your need, JJames. We appreciate and value you! Teresa

Thank you Teresa- Yes, I would like the information of the DVD, THANKS......I say this with no regrets, my spouse has allot of memories issues and she needs me to drive more than not, She is a wonderful person about not complaining until just in the last couple months-- which the Doctors told me that it is normal. She tried her best to be helpful for me and she does allot of good things-others could not. But it still very hard, she doesn't know the depression is so sever and constant- The medication helps very little and I see my Doctor and I tell him of the situation- but some things we just can;t do or fix. This group helps more than anyone could imagine. Barrow's is great- but they don't take my insurance or my the times I need to meet-which I understand, I'm still looking for a group I could sit with and listen. But again this group is awesome and Colleen does a great job. I Thanks God I found you all. Thank you, your very kind and caring jjames

@johnjames Hi JJames, thanks for your reply and your kind words, you are a caring and insightful individual and that makes you a wonderful participant in our online support group. You mentioned that Barrows does not take your insurance, however, I was suggesting one of their support groups. As a general rule, support groups do not have fees, they are formed so that people can come together and share feelings and experiences. As a personal favor to me, would you please call about their support groups and ask if there is a fee to attend? On their website they lists several support groups with various days and times of meetings. Best wishes, JJames! Teresa

Teresa, Yes I will contact them and inquire about support groups and I hope there is some in my area. Thank you and I promise to let you know. Thanks again for all your kind words. Blessings. jjames

Johnjames, do u take meds for depression?

Hi, @johnjames. I hope your spirits have lifted over the past month and that I can make a small contribution to keeping them up. You mentioned Agent Orange as a factor in your medical history. My high school buddy, Michael Kjome, came home from Vietnam in 1973, infected by Agent Orange. As you might guess, it got to him and took his life 13 years later, but not before he found a wife and a new life in Norway, fathered two children, and died there in 1986. That you have come 31 years farther beyond his worthy life makes the case, hopefully, that your fate is unaffected by Agent Orange. I earnestly hope so. If you're interested in the story of his troubled time in Vietnam, check it out at https://www.pownetwork.org/bios/k/k601.htm. And tell me whether I might do more to smooth your road forward.