One of the things that nobody ever tells you when you get a Parkinson’s diagnosis is how much of your time will be spent managing medications, adhering to schedules, and tracking side effects and symptoms. Hint: It’s a lot.
Kat Hill
when a woman is diagnosed with YOPD, you can add challenges related to contraception, pregnancy, menstruation, menopause, hormones, body image, aging, and more, to their plate.
During our monthly YOPD Women sessions, we’ll address all of those topics with the help of doctors, specialists, and our YOPD Women Council leaders.
Approximately 50-60% of people living with Parkinson’s experience varying levels of depression and anxiety, and nearly all deal with loss. During this YOPD Council session, the eight members of our Council discussed how they have dealt with depression and anxiety; strategies that have worked and those that haven’t to get into a better headspace; tools for managing feelings of loss, how to communicate issues of mental health to friends, family, and care teams;
how to manage anticipatory grief in yourself and others; and more.
Should you or shouldn’t you apply for disability? Short-term or long-term? Do you even have a choice? Applying and receiving disability benefits can be a complicated, confusing, and highly frustrating process. As can figuring out insurance, Medicare, and everything else that involves navigating the healthcare system. Luckily our YOPD Council has a lot to offer on these topics.
Feature by Heather Kennedy, Davis Phinney Foundation YOPD Council Leader
Along with our special guest Davis Phinney, our YOPD Council recently shared advice and personal stories about the many ways…
Kat Hill has found many ways to thrive and live well with Parkinson’s.