Social isolation and an Ode to friends

In a study of the impact on Social functioning by Parkinson's, the article started with the following statement;

"Parkinson’s disease (PD) can interfere with individuals’ social functioning and lead to social withdrawal. Social withdrawal may result in negative outcomes for persons with PD and their caregivers, such as decreased quality of life. It is necessary to understand the nature of social withdrawal in PD in order to develop strategies to address this issue and prevent negative outcomes" 

Social withdrawal in Parkinson’s disease: A scoping review, by

Soojung Ahn, PhD, RN,a Kristen Springer, BSEd,b and Jessie S. Gibson, PhD, RNc

It is reported time and again that PD sufferers can become socially isolated, which impacts negatively on both their mental health leading to increased incidence of depression and anxiety, and also impacting on their carers wellbeing as well.

The causes of social isolation associated with PD are;

Mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, hallucinations 

Physical impairments, balance, facial masking, wheel chair use, 

Unemployment

Self isolation caused by embarrassment due to issues associated with PD, such as drooling, fear of freezing etc

At its extreme social isolation can lead to a shorter life span, and certainly a lower quality of life, whereas people who are more socially connected;

Have more access to information

Have more access to transportation options

Receive more emotional support

Are more influenced by and likely to pursue healthy behaviors

Have more financial resources

Take advantage of community programs

Experience better physical and mental health

Manage stress, change and loss in more productive ways

Bounce back from physical setbacks more quickly

Are less likely to engage in risky behaviors

Seek out opportunities to help others in ways that in return give them physical and mental health benefits as well

So how do you stay socially connected? 

Keep in touch with friends and family. Make the effort to connect with them regularly, arrange meetings.

Meet up with fellow PD sufferers, this can be through Parkinson's UK

Start or re-start a hobby, join a local club.

Join a church or some other faith group.

Friends and family are central to stopping the retreat of the sufferer in social isolation. They can visit, invite out, stay connected both physically and through social media.

I'm fortunate, I have good friends and would like to thank them for all the support I've been given, the pints bought, and the understanding and kindnesses shown.

For those that have promised to pray for me, I greatly appreciate it.

Without you all, my life would be poorer.

So thank you Richard, Jon, Paul, Tom, Calum, HJ, Lain and anyone else my poor memory has missed. You've made a difference.