I have to admit that we invite the craziness in everytime we turn on the broadcast news or open our daily newspaper, but it is a controlled invasion, we can turn it off or put it down at any time. It is good to stay in touch with what is happening in the world, it can be bad to let it take over everything you do. And, the added stress can exacerbate your partner’s symptoms.

I grew up in a household where the evening news was on every day and my mom listened to it while she cooked. We subscribed to two newspapers, granted the local was only once a week, but it was important to my parents that we stay informed on world and local happenings. They were both strong union members and took an active interest in national politics. I know that who I am today is the result of those early influences, but that is also why it is difficult for me to disengage and let the world go when things are so chaotic. 

My husband shares many of my interests and we do read the morning paper. We turn on the evening news for about an hour per day, which may still be too much, but I am cooking while it is on and he often takes a nap. We have been working on our priorities so that we are not immersed in things over which we have no control. We are limiting our contact with the outside world so that our internal world can be ours and be a safe place.

Life can be crazy, and dealing with Parkinson’s Disease doesn’t make it any easier. Make the changes you need to create a safe haven in your home and hold tight to it. You and your partner both need and deserve the break.