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Personality changes and depression in PD
Personality changes and depression in PD
Posted to the PARKINSN list by Jim Slattery
A major problem with any chronic illness is that it often means that one
party has to retire from the workforce earlier than planned for. Spouses are
thrown together for much longer periods of the day than was the case when
one of them was working. As one woman remarked "I married him for better or
for worse, but not for lunch!)" <grin>.
This enforced 'togetherness' can be very trying for both parties, unless it
has been discussed and planned for. For example, a man who has always had a
company vehicle available to him throughout the day, now finds himself
relying on access to the family car. Meanwhile, his wife now finds that
where the family car was available to her at any time during the day, now
finds that she has to negotiate with her husband for access.
Similar types of scenario apply to parents and children. In essence, it
means that both parties, sufferer and care-giver, are forced into each
others company for longer periods each day, and that there are less moments
of privacy for each.
Then there is the problem of increased work load for the care-giver, and
increased idleness for the sufferer. Both of these aspects can lead to
increased aggression and frustration unless controlled.
These aspects of lessened privacy and increasing frustration are not given
enough prominence in discussions concerning depression. A sudden and
dramatic change of lifestyle, especially if perceived to be for the worse,
will precipitate depressive episodes in the most reasonable of people.
The answer for those newly placed in, or contemplating this situation, is to
make themselves aware of the needs of both parties, and to plan a reasoned
and fair distribution of workloads, and access to facilities, together with
a planned approach to 'oases of privacy', where each can recover from
feelings of frustration, etc., consider the happenings of the day in a quite
and non-threatening atmosphere, and generally 'get one's breath back.'
Where the situation has existed for some time, it will often be necessary
for an unbiased third party, who has the welfare of both parties at heart,
to step in. This person may be another family member, a minister of
religion, a social worker, etc. That person must have good 'person' skills,
a working knowledge of the problems involved, and a sincere interest in the
wellbeing of both parties.
The worst possible situation is where a third party is biased on behalf of
one party. This can only worsen the problem. If that seems to be the only
option, it is time to seek professional help.
Sometimes respite care is needed, mainly for the care-giver to relax in an
environment away from responsibility. This can also assist the sufferer,
who can gain time to re-assess the relationship, and in a non-threatening
atmosphere, to plan ways of decreasing tension. Both parties also need time
to talk things over with a sympathetic listener, who nevertheless must not
take sides, but attempt to find a solution agreeable to both parties, an
'honest broker.' The person must also not be perceived as 'interfering', by
either party.
Realising the possibilities of the dangerous situations above, and the
deleterious affect on the health and emotional stability of the parties,
family members and friends can often forestall problems before they occur.
Jim - 59/13 - Sinemet, Eldepryl
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Jim Slattery - jslat@ix.net.au
Central West PD Web
http://www.bec.net.au/~cwpdg/
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