Unwanted: Parkinson’s and the Coronavirus Pandemic

This time last year, as we approached World Parkinson’s Day on 11 April, I posted my shortest ever blog entitled ‘Parkinson’s is …‘. Today, with the Coronavirus Pandemic, we’re living in a completely different world and so I have added some thoughts about Coronavirus to last year’s blog…

Parkinson’s is… Unwanted. Coronavirus is… Also unwanted.

Parkinson’s is… Something I can’t escape from. Coronavirus is… Something we can’t currently escape from.

Parkinson’s is… Currently incurable. Coronavirus is… In the majority of cases, mild and most people will recover.

Parkinson’s is… Degenerative. Coronavirus is… In some cases, sadly, fatal.

Parkinson’s is… Relying on medication. Coronavirus is… Relying on all of our key workers.

Parkinson’s is… A long term condition. Coronavirus is… A global pandemic which is going to affect all of us in many ways long term.

Parkinson’s is… A constant cycle of ups and downs. Coronavirus is… Bringing out the best and the worst in people.

Parkinson’s is… Struggling with everyday tasks. Coronavirus is… Struggling with isolation every day.

Parkinson’s is… Constantly slowing me down. Coronavirus is… Spreading faster than we ever thought imaginable.

Parkinson’s is… One of life’s challenges that I – and millions of others worldwide – have to face every day. Coronavirus is… A global challenge that we all have to face.

Parkinson’s is… No longer being able to play the piano. Coronavirus is… Not being able to sing with my choir.

Parkinson’s is… Always there. Coronavirus is… Always on the news and affecting every aspect of our lives.

Parkinson’s is… My reality. Coronavirus is… A new reality that we’re all having to live with.

Parkinson’s is… Having to ask for help. Coronavirus is… Needing to help each other.

Parkinson’s is… Learning to let go of how things used to be. Coronavirus is… ditto.

Parkinson’s is… Always teaching me new life lessons. Coronavirus is… Teaching me even more life lessons.

Parkinson’s is… The reason I started blogging. Coronavirus is… The reason for this blog.

Parkinson’s is… Only a part of me. Coronavirus is… Now part of all of our lives.

Parkinson’s is… Not going to stop me. Coronavirus is… Not going to stop me from exercising.

Parkinson’s is… Something we need to fight. Coronavirus is… Something we all need to fight, together. #StayHomeSaveLives

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For NHS advice about Coronavirus visit: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

For more information about Parkinson’s visit the Parkinson’s UK website which also has specific information about Coronavirus for people affected by Parkinson’s at: https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/news/understanding-coronavirus-and-parkinsons

For NHS advice and tips on looking after your mental health and wellbeing, visit: https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/#

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