Alone in the house

[Lionore]

Hi, I’d like to know what everyone does to stay safe while alone, either living alone or while a partner or other housemate is away. I’m fortunate to have mild symptoms and totally independent, but when alone I do have some anxiety about safety. I’m less likely to prepare a meal that requires a lot of chopping vegetables, or lifting heavy pots, I avoid walking alone outside in favor of the local gym and I keep my cell phone in reach at all times. I’m extremely careful on the stairs and avoid carrying a lot. I don’t drive in bad weather or go far.

[park_bear]

I am braver, or more foolish, depending on how you look at it. At this point my impairment is mostly pretty minimal and I do all the things I have always done.

[Gioc]

In my opinion, when you have these thoughts, it's time to stop reading newspaper crime report, and to stop watch violent movies on TV, putting attention on the environment by finding "non-dangerous" things or people. Try for a week and your fears will disappear and everything will appear in its right dimension.

[Lionore in reply to Gioc]

Thanks, GioCas. I don’t worry about crime at all. It’s more about hurting myself via accidents like dropping things, having a knife slip while preparing a meal. I do fine alone but I’m more conscious of my movements and especially keeping my cell phone on my person or plugged in close enough to reach it from bed or shower. I practice deep slow breathing or read a spiritual book when I am anxious. I tend to simplify my routines.

[Gioc in reply to Lionore]

Hi Lionore,Sorry I misunderstood your concept.

In this case I think it's a normal concern that we all have. A bit of prudence is a wise thing,

IMO we are always a bit alone, even in the midst of so many people because few people have the ability to understand this disease and the strength to help us, so we must keep ourselves self-sufficient and we are succeeding.

[Stevenmast in reply to Gioc]

Hey you know what? I think I know that guy! Well said Gio!

[JantheNana]

I think you are very wise to do as you are doing.

[katherinecompton22]

It sounds like you're practicing good "risk management". I am still learning that I don't need to prove to myself and others that I can function like a 40 year-old (I can't). Trying to do so has resulted in back problems, taking on too-stressful projects, etc. Don't be shy about asking for help from others while a housemate is gone. At the same time, forging ahead with exercise, engaging in everything that you enjoy is important in maintaining confidence

[Enidah]

It sounds like you’re being very smart about being safe. Sometimes that’s a hard lesson to learn. The only thing that came to mind was alert things people wear so if they fall they can just push a button or I guess the modern ones will do that for you if they sense that you have fallen. I don’t know how that works.

[OREOLU]

HI, are you treating anxiety as a symptom of PD?If you are not,it will be good to talk to a specialist.Anxiety could make you be fearful and feel unsafe,even when there's no cause for alarm.I have experienced these,several times with my mind full of negative thoughts.But,now the feeling is better than before with treatment.I take mirtazapine for sleeping at night,and this really helps.

[Lionore]

I’m reluctant to take medication for anxiety; I can usually self soothe via deep breathing and relaxing music. It’s more about being mindful of my movements; like not carrying too much up the stairs and getting out of bed slowly at night. Prayer helps a lot!

[Stevenmast in reply to Lionore]

I'm sure you don't need me to tell you this but never take your hand off the banister when going down or up the stairs. I've learned that the hard way. Stay safe!

[OREOLU]

Good.May God help us all with this disease.Hope they find cure soon.