how do i maintain a relationship with pd..?
is being a recluse the only option?
how do i socialize with pd.? - Parkinson's New Z...
how do i socialize with pd.?
Written by
smiley666
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7 Replies
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To be a recluse is the worst possible thing to do. Be yourself. Tell your friends that you have PD, they will then understand any little changes there may be in your appearance, or your ability to do certain things. I have a friend who became a recluse and started to go into depression. Luckily he was encouraged to join a walking group of Parkinsonians and since then his life has completely turned around. Meeting socially after each walk he has opened up to the other sufferers and they exchange ideas, discuss medication and just plain relax. He has told me that speaking freely about his problem has completely changed his life.
Yea I agree with Hagan... My mother has PD and she has told me it is definitely harder to go out in big groups, as sometimes she will go to say something and because it is slower and quieter to get out, they may already have moved on to another subject in the conversation. However, my mum still goes out to dinners with her close friends, but finds she doesn't talk as much in a big group. But when she is with a friend one on one or just a few friends, it is much easier because they know it may take longer to get something out or it may be quiet, so they will listen more carefully. Do you have a good group of friends? They should understand that you are still you, you just might be a bit slower at some things, but that doesn't matter. I think my mum is going to look on the Parkinsons society site to find out about groups who meet for walking etc like hagan wrote below. I think that is such a good idea. Keep writing on here too. And do still go out, even just for a little bit at a time. xx
i agree there as i was diagnosed with pd 3 years ago at 46 pretty much kept to myself. Then started to just do what comes naturally but when i get in front of groups or really annoyed my hand really shakes and i feel bit embarresed but best thing i have found is not to worry about it.
Hi Smiley, just checking how you are going? Have you got out socialising at all? (I know it's not that easy, but I just mean how are you going). I remember you writing this a month or so ago, and I replied, and I have thought a few times I wonder how you are going - so I thought bugger it, I will check on here and send you a message 
thanks Laus .
i get my weekly dose of humility at the super market.
no stress with a quiet life.
the festive session gets me down....
but i gave up trying to socialize years ago.
my dogs are great company . and always happy to see me.
Hi Smiley, I have just seen your reply to my post now, sorry about the late reply. Do you have family around? I am in Wellington with my mother who has PD. Yea, I think a lot of people actually find the festive season rather disheartening sometimes because it is all about seeing family etc and if the family aren't around it can be quite quiet can't it. Ah I love dogs, i'm a huge animal lover! What sort of dogs do you have? I am walking and feeding a little lab X retriever at the moment and she is soooo adorable, I just want to take her home with me - although I don't think my cats would be ok with that 
