Loneliness

According to Webster, loneliness is “being without company, being off from others, not frequented by human beings, sad from being alone and producing a feeling of bleakness or desolation—a feeling no one ever wants” especially when battling Parkinson’s Disease. 

Loneliness affects those diagnosed, care partners, caregivers, families, and the community. It has long-term effects, and some, through heartbreak, can face additional medical, emotional, and even psychological illnesses.

Combatting loneliness can be achieved through support. Family support helped me through my caregiving journey with my mother, who passed at age 69 due to PD. Many may not have family support, so they turn to the community. Support groups are helpful, but I was not even aware of them when my mother was struggling with PD. Awareness brings another obstacle, as even today, we spend countless hours advocating for PD awareness through books, blogs, and social media; I spend 24/7 trying to teach those who are unaware.

I still feel lonely many days as I miss my mother. If we had a cure, she would still be by my side, laughing, loving life, and spending time with her grandkids. I had a special relationship with my mother, who will always be my best friend. We shared the good times, and she supported me during the tough times. When she struggled through her PD battle, I often felt alone because I did not have community support and was not aware of foundations and organizations out there since I spent all my time caring for my mother and trying to find ways to help combat and slow the progression of the disease. 

We lost the fight on January 1, 2020, and since I have lost a part of myself forever. The main reason I still advocate despite being too late for my mother and our family is I never want anyone to feel alone as I did as a caregiver and my other did as a person with Parkinson’s, shockingly she never even met someone else with PD so she felt she was alone, frightened and did not have the community support that today I know does exist, I often wonder if the many inspiring and unique people who are battling PD or advocates I consider family today would have just held a FaceTime call with us during the time my mother battled Pd as it would not have changed the outcome. Still, it would have brought a few smiles and likely put us all at ease that others are also going through similar but not identical experiences but the care turn. Love would have changed all our lives for the better.

There are support groups; try one virtually or live; if it doesn’t fit your needs, then try another one. Attend a walk, listen to a podcast, join social media groups and pages that are like ours, continue to try to bring smiles, hope, and achievable goals, 

Never sit back and wait for others to come to you; our problem was time but knowing what I do today and seeing significant progress through research, more information is attainable and available; a decade ago, we did not know diet and exercise may slow the progression of PD down. These areas can change lives for the better, and even through exercise groups, walks, conventions, and meeting others in the community can impact an individual and their families. A significant positive way of bringing effective results and outcomes, 

Although we cannot lock back, we can look forward, and I will never stop advocating for a PD cure in my mother, Sharon’s memory because today I combat my loneliness thanks to the millions throughout this beautiful community and around the world.

You are never alone. I will continue to fight right by your side until the cure is at all our doorsteps globally,  Reference: Merriam Webster Dictionary (2024) Loneliness