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[quote=Anonymous]My dad has (67) was diagnosed with Parkinsons about 10 years ago. He has always been very active and remains as active possible. He and my mom have always been the type to sort "sweep things under the rug" and shield my brother (younger, lives in Europe) from their issues. My dad has begun to talk to me a little about the issues he's struggling with, and even though I am really relieved he's opening up to me, and have actually pushed for it since I don't want to be in the dark on important things that are going on, I find I don't know how to respond. For example, he'll say he's dealing with depression, which is part of the condition. I see a therapist myself, so I can connect to mental health issues, but my experiences (relatively superficial in comparison), are nothing like what my dad's dealing with. I find I freeze, don't know how to respond, and often never feel like my words are "enough." I know it's all about listening, not solving, but I don't have any friends with parents with degenerative conditions and I don't really feel like I have anyone to relate to or talk with about it.

I'm looking for a support group in the area for children of parents with Parkinsons, or even Parkinsons caretakers (which I'm not, since my parents don't live in the area), but just to find a community of others to talk about it with. I feel like we're just beginning to move into the stage where it's becoming a little "worse" and I can barely allow myself to think through what the next 10 years looks like. It's almost like my mind blocks it out. But then I see my parents (every couple of months) and I end up extremely upset afterward after they leave because it hits me that it's happening and he's getting worse. I would say he's actually still doing "well" but I'm beginning to pick up on the fact that we may be at a turning point in the next few years.

I know my therapist can help with this, but I am just looking for ways to connect with those who have gone through a common experience. I can receive advice through online forums, and maybe I should actively engage in those more, and maybe that's my solution, but I'm just wondering if anyone else found anything helpful for Parkinsons or like conditions. Thank you.[/quote]

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