caret icon Back to all discussions

Deep depression and severe anxiety.

In the early '80s I began having involuntary tremors in, head and hands most often and it was very embarrassing as I could not control my body. I saw 2 or 3 doctors over time, and each told me it was nothing to worry about. Eventually, my persistence paid off and a Neurologist diagnosed Benign Essential Tremor. Beta-blockers didn't really help so life went on. When I felt stressed the worse it became.
Symptoms changed as time went by and in early 2001 I began falling over in the street many times. I also suffered lacerated knees, black eyes, ruined glasses, bruises, back etc. I fell and fractured several ribs and all I was concerned with were my two dogs. It must have been the pain relief the paramedics gave me. I was convinced they were trying to take Bertie and Boris from me! Three days in the hospital and the boyz survived with the help of neighbors and friends. This falling continues for years, my balance was off, I'd veer off to the left, walk into supermarket shelves, hit other trolleys and so on. I felt people thought I was shickered to beat the band. I have seen a neurologist at Walton Centre and attended fall clinics, you name it. My neurologist retired last year and I must now wait for twelve to fourteen weeks for a new one. Symptoms are much worse now - I cannot write or read my own writing, cut anything up, food, dog's dinner, filling a hot water bottle is a no-no, tea and coffee are an ordeal with half a cup remaining by the time I get to the table. Insomnia is a hard cross to bear and falling onto a glass table was one party piece I don't wish to repeat. I was so low recently my doctor felt I had Hoginson's Disease and when I googled it, I ticked all the boxes. I now just wait to have it confirmed. Lovely people pick me up off the street but, I can't take it. Do any of you suffer similarly? My sense of humor gets me by most times but then it fails miserably.

  1. Hello , I'm sorry that you are going thru so much right now. I hope you find some of the medical attention you need and in the mean time I thougth you would like to read an article by one of our team members addressing how she handles anxiety: https://parkinsonsdisease.net/living/visualization
    I hope others in our community might give you some more supportive tips too!
    Please let us know if this is helpful. All the best, Suzanne Troy, ParkinsonsDisease.net Team Member

    1. I'm sorry you are experiencing so much trouble. Mine was diagnosed as essential tremor too. Then later, the neurologist diagnosed my similar problem as yours to be PD. I had DBS which has helped the tremor tremendously and I exercise every day. My progression is now a difficulty with speech.

      1. It is nice when we are able to support each other in this PD community. Psupy, I am glad that DBS has been successful to help your tremor. Have you considered consulting with a speech specialist for your difficulty with speech? I have shared a link to an article written by one of our very own Mark Mitnick on speech:
        https://parkinsonsdisease.net/living/speech-pathologist-support. I hope you find it helpful. Best regards, Suzanne Troy, ParkinsonsDisease.net Team Member

    2. @communitymember2471. I’m sorry you feel so depressed & anxious. I’ve been there and can get back into anxiety in a flash. These are some things that have helped me.
      https://parkinsonsdisease.net/living/therapy-experience
      https://parkinsonsdisease.net/living/managing-mood-changes
      https://parkinsonsdisease.net/living/depression-coping
      https://parkinsonsdisease.net/living/improving-mood

      Phil Horton

      Please read our rules before posting.