I’m Jessica, and I’ve been living with Parkinson’s disease for the past five years. Although I was terrified when I first received my diagnosis, I eventually found the strength to face the challenges that come with the disease.
I’m certainly not alone in my struggles. Each day I see more people who have also been impacted by Parkinson’s, and so I feel quite connected to the Parkinson’s community. I attend a weekly support group and am constantly inspired by the stories of strength and courage I hear there.
Physically, living with Parkinson’s is no easy feat. The major symptom of the disease is the inability to control my body movements. I often experience tremors, slow movement, stiffness of my limbs, and feel pain.
On top of dealing with my physical symptoms, I’ve also had to face the mental barriers that come along with my diagnosis. I often feel anxious and overwhelmed, and some days it is hard to stay positive. I’ve learnt to accept the reality of my situation and try to focus on the things I am still able to do.
Navigating life with Parkinson’s is never easy, but with the right support and encouragement, anything is possible. It has been a long and difficult journey, but I try to remain hopeful and to keep pushing forward.