A diagnosis of Parkinson’s can bring about a range of emotions for both you and your care partner, family and friends. The condition itself comes with its own mental health challenges of unexplained apathy, depression and anxiety due to changes in brain chemistry. It’s not uncommon for you to also experience grief and denial as you come to terms with your diagnosis. Fortunately, various resources and tools can help manage these challenges and improve overall wellbeing.

Free Mental Health Workbooks

Workbooks focusing on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and more can provide valuable tools for managing mental health. These workbooks offer structured exercises and techniques to help individuals cope with their emotions and develop healthier thought patterns (see references for link).

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): ACT is a form of psychotherapy that encourages people to accept their thoughts and feelings rather than fighting or feeling guilty for them. It focuses on mindfulness and behaviour change strategies to improve mental health. A systematic review and meta-analysis published in BMC Neurology in 2024 found that ACT can significantly improve cognitive function, mental health, and overall quality of life for people living with Parkinson’s. The study highlighted the effectiveness of ACT in reducing anxiety and depression symptoms, making it a valuable resource for those living with Parkinson’s (Wu et al. 2024).
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): CBT is a form of psychotherapy that aims to improve mental health by changing negative thought patterns and behaviours. It is commonly used to treat anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. A systematic review and meta-analysis published in BMC Neurology in 2024 found that CBT significantly improves cognitive function, mental health, and overall quality of life for people living with Parkinson’s. The study showed that CBT is effective in reducing anxiety and depression symptoms, making it a beneficial treatment option for those living with Parkinson’s (Wu et al. 2024).
  • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT): DBT is a form of cognitive-behavioural therapy that combines standard cognitive-behavioural techniques with mindfulness practices. It focuses on teaching skills to manage emotions, improve relationships, and reduce stress. While there is less research specifically on DBT for Parkinson’s, studies on DBT for other conditions suggest it could be beneficial for managing emotional regulation and reducing anxiety and depression in people living with Parkinson’s.

Help resources for mental health problems

The Centre for Clinical Interventions (CCI) offers a range of self-help resources for various mental health issues. These resources include modules on managing anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and more. Each module contains information, worksheets, and activities designed to help individuals understand and manage their mental health (see references for link). Parkinson’s Foundation also has Caring for the Mind: 12 Parkinson’s Mental Wellness Resources.

Therapy tools to support your mental health

Therapy tools such as mindfulness exercises, relaxation techniques, and journaling can be incredibly beneficial for managing mental health issues. These tools can help individuals process their emotions, reduce stress, and improve their overall mental wellbeing. Check our our mindfulness with author and TEDx speaker Annie Harvey on the Parkinson’s Australia YouTube channel or wellbeing videos in the YOPX app.

How music affects the brain & mood

Music has a profound impact on the brain and mood, particularly for people with Parkinson’s. It can evoke emotions, reduce stress, and provide a sense of comfort and connection. Listening to music, playing an instrument, or engaging in music therapy can be effective ways to manage mental health challenges. Research has shown that music can improve mood, reduce anxiety, and even enhance cognitive function.

 Here’s how it helps:

  1. Improves motor function: Music therapy can enhance motor coordination by stimulating the basal ganglia, a brain region involved in movement. Rhythmic auditory stimulation (RAS) has been shown to improve gait and reduce freezing episodes in Parkinson’s patients (Thaut et al., 2007).
  2. Boosts mood: Listening to or playing music can elevate mood by increasing dopamine levels, which are often depleted in Parkinson’s disease. This can help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety commonly associated with the condition (Pacchetti et al., 2000).
  3. Enhances cognitive function: Music engages multiple brain areas, including those responsible for memory and attention. This can help counteract cognitive decline in people living with Parkinson’s (Särkämö et al., 2014).
  4. Reduces stress: Music therapy has been found to lower cortisol levels, promoting relaxation and reducing stress, which can exacerbate Parkinson’s symptoms (Koelsch, 2010).

Books

  • The Body Keeps the Score by Dr Bessel van der Kolk – This book helps readers understand how trauma reshapes the body and brain, changing the ability to experience pleasure, engagement, self-control, and trust. Dr van der Kolk discusses various healing modalities, including neuro-feedback, yoga, and meditation.
  • Waking the Tiger by Peter Levine – This book describes the decisive steps our bodies take to respond to overwhelming life events. It includes exercises to help readers focus on bodily sensations, aiding in the healing of trauma.
  • Living with Parkinson’s Disease: A Complete Guide for Patients and Caregivers by Michael S. Okun – This comprehensive guide covers various aspects of living with Parkinson’s, including medical treatments, lifestyle adjustments, and mental health support.
  • Living Well with Parkinson’s: A Guide to a Fulfilling Life by Angeliki Bogosian -A practical and compassionate guide that focuses on emotional resilience, self-care, and thriving with Parkinson’s through evidence-based strategies.
  • A Parkinson’s Primer: An Indispensable Guide to Parkinson’s Disease for Patients and Their Families by John Vine – A personal and informative journey through Parkinson’s, offering insights and encouragement for patients and their loved ones.
  • Goodbye Parkinson’s, Hello Life by Alex Kerten – Combines movement therapy, music, and mindfulness to help people with Parkinson’s reclaim confidence and joy in daily life.
  • Parkinson’s Treatment: 10 Secrets to a Happier Life by Dr. Michael S. Okun – A hopeful and easy-to-understand book that explores treatment options and lifestyle tips to improve quality of life.
  • Starry Skies, Cosmic Shakes by PMD Alliance – A gentle, illustrated book designed to help families talk about Parkinson’s and deep brain stimulation with children.

References

  • Asadpoordezaki, Z., Henley, B. M., & Coogan, A. N. (2025). Prevalence and associations of self-reported sleep problems in a large sample of patients with Parkinson’s disease. Journal of Sleep Research. https://doi.org/10.1111/jsr.14453
  • Centre for Clinical Interventions. (n.d.). CCI – Self Help Resources for Mental Health Problems. Retrieved from (https://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/Resources/Looking-After-Yourself)
  • Koelsch, S. (2010). Towards a neural basis of music-evoked emotions. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 14(3), 131-137.
  • Levine, P. (1997). Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma. North Atlantic Books.
  • Lian, Y., & Zhang, H. (2024). Cognitive behavioral therapy approaches to the improvement of mental health in Parkinson’s disease patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Neurology, 24, 352. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12883-024-03859-x
  • Pacchetti, C., Mancini, F., Aglieri, R., Fundarò, C., Martignoni, E., & Nappi, G. (2000). Active music therapy in Parkinson’s disease: An integrative method for motor and emotional rehabilitation. Psychosomatic Medicine, 62(3), 386-393.
  • Särkämö, T., Tervaniemi, M., Laitinen, S., Forsblom, A., Soinila, S., Mikkonen, M., … & Hietanen, M. (2014). Cognitive, emotional, and social benefits of regular musical activities in early dementia: Randomized controlled study. Gerontologist, 54(4), 634-650.
  • Thaut, M. H., McIntosh, G. C., & Rice, R. R. (2007). Rhythmic auditory stimulation in gait training for Parkinson’s disease patients. Movement Disorders, 12(2), 155-161.Wu, X., Shi, M.,
  • My.Therapist.com. (n.d.). Free Mental Health Workbooks: ACT, CBT, DBT, and More. Retrieved from (https://my.therapist.com/therapy-worksheets)
  • van der Kolk, B. (2015). The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma. Penguin Books.

Free Australian Mental Health Resources

If you need urgent help, contact 000 now. Otherwise you can find state and territory services and national helplines at the links below:

MENTAL WELLBEING | Services & helplines

 

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