Reactions when you tell people you have Parkinson's Disease?

I think this is a very interesting topic. Yes, some people can react like that, which has made me very reticent to tell anybody except the friends or colleagues who I believe can handle it. Or have seen me at my worse and need to be stopped from gossiping. Only about 10 or so people know for sure, and I was hoping a weight would be lifted when I did tell them, and in a sense it is, but then comes the part they don't tell you about. The part where you don't feel better and you still have the disease and now one more person knows about it. So I feel that I should never confirm unless absolutely necessary. But sometimes, it is necessary. Otherwise, the anxiety may consume you, or at least, that's how I felt.

By the way, the anxiety I am referring to is having to put on a performance all the time. I find that very tiring,

Yes, like me, people are uninformed and only knew about the tremors. Then I started watching a friend from church once a week for an hour or two while his wife went to a staff meeting. He had advanced Parkinson disease, and was having a very tough time with lots of symptoms. That was my educational experience with the disease. He passed away a couple of years ago.
Now, I was diagnosed with Parkinson disease about 6 months ago. It was like a severe kick in the gut. I'm doing well, and learn more about what helps me, and what doesn't help.

I started to get suspicious when neighbors started to call and offer to go to the store for me, water my flowers, and bring food over. Their kindness was greatly appreciated, but I'm not dying yet. One of the problems is the wide range of outcomes and speeds of disease progression of the disease. Some people are more compromised earlier than others, but whether slow or fast the diagnosis is a serious one. Staying positive, staying active and acceptance are the keys for me.

Yes the reactions vary. I told friends and family, mainly because I had to say it to get accustomed to the fact that I have it (diagnosed 6 months ago at age 75). Most reacted with kindness and offers to help if I need it.
Keep educating those who react poorly, they don't understand.

Before I was diagnosed, I was coping with symptoms, one of which was trouble opening the produce bags at the grocer. One day a woman walked over, gently took the bag and opened it for me. Inside, I reacted with frustration/anger and gentle understanding that she was just being kind. Now, I react to 'the look' by saying, "If someday They ask if you want Parkinson's, say 'No.' I'm thinking of adding "Can I answer any questions?"

I was surprised and disappointed that several friends told me something like "Oh well they'll give you some pills and everything will be OK."

And then they would ask me what Parkinson's is, as they did not know anything about it. They were just trying to say something encouraging I guess.

For me, the standard go-to meds have not been effective in reducing my symptoms. So it's not as simple for me (and many others) as just popping a pill and going on from there.

This is a great discussion! When I was first diagnosed (after many years of symptoms without a diagnosis), I was relieved, but also blindsided by the new label that I had. I kept it to myself as I was not sure how others would react. At that time, I was still working, and I told only one co-worker (whom I could trust) not to spread the word!

After a while, I began to realize my energy limitations and made my condition known, which was important in my work situation at that time. Basically, others took my diagnosis to heart and did not make a big thing of it. I worked for a few years after that until I reached retirement age.

I can understand why people would expect the worst. We have all seen people with advanced PD, and it is understandable that others attribute the same prognosis to a newly diagnosed person. It is probably important for us to develop a "thick skin" and be at peace with ourselves regarding our future, so that others can pick up on our attitude.

I have PD that for right now, has only slight effects. Some of my friends and I know a person who has slightly advanced Parkinson's. My friends treat the unfortunate progression of his Parkinson's as though it were a spectator sport (for instance, "It took John TEN minutes to walk ten feet....") . I am therefore telling no one that I have PD, except for my close family and one friend whose mom had PD.

I too find this discussion very helpful and interesting. I have not told many people. I know that it's human nature that people will look at me or even treat me differently. I do a lot right now to take care of my elderly mother and some other family members so I'm not saying anything for now. Fortunately, I am very early stage, and symptoms are mild right now. And i still consider me to be young only early 50's. Prayers for all of you and yes let's get thick skin

I experienced similar feeling when I diagnosed with cancer years ago.
Sending you love , hugs and prayers.