What we don’t see: Mental health and Parkinson’s

Mental Health Week is a time to pause, reflect, and acknowledge that mental health challenges are a real and recognized part of Parkinson’s.

When people think about Parkinson’s, they often think about movement. But many of the most challenging symptoms are the ones we don’t see.

Mental health is an essential—and often overlooked—part of Parkinson’s. Depression, anxiety, and apathy can have a significant impact on quality of life for people living with Parkinson’s and for those who care for them.

Looking beyond movement

Parkinson’s causes changes in the brain that go beyond movement. These changes can affect mood, emotional regulation, and motivation. For some people, mental health changes appear alongside physical symptoms. For others, they may show up earlier—sometimes even before a diagnosis.

Emotional responses to diagnosis, uncertainty about the future, and the day-to-day realities of managing symptoms can also affect mental health. All of these experiences are valid—and none of them mean someone is “not coping well enough.”

Noticing mental health changes

Mental health challenges don’t always look the same from person to person. Symptoms may be subtle—and easy to overlook or explain away. Some common signs include:

  • Persistent feelings of sadness, worry, or anxiety
  • Changes in sleep, appetite, or energy levels
  • Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
  • Loss of motivation or interest in activities
  • Increased irritability or emotional sensitivity

Apathy—a lack of motivation or emotional response—is another common non-motor symptom of Parkinson’s. While it can overlap with depression, it is a distinct experience and may require different approaches to support and treatment.

Apathy is also one of the least understood symptoms of Parkinson’s. It can be misread—especially by care partners—as indifference or stubbornness, rather than a neurological change.

If even one of these changes feels familiar, it may be a sign that support is needed.

Why talking about mental health can be hard

Mental health concerns can be difficult to talk about, especially when they’re misunderstood or stigmatized. For people living with Parkinson’s, symptoms like fatigue, slowed thinking, or reduced facial expression can sometimes be mistaken for depression—or missed altogether.

Care partners may face similar challenges. Emotional stress, grief, and burnout can build over time, particularly as roles change or increase. Because these experiences are less visible, they’re often overlooked.

Opening up conversations about mental health can reduce isolation, improve understanding, and help people access support earlier.

Support and treatment matter

Depression and anxiety are treatable. Addressing mental health needs can improve daily functioning, strengthen relationships, and make it easier to manage other aspects of Parkinson’s.

Support may include counselling, medication, peer support, or lifestyle approaches such as exercise—often used in combination. For people living with Parkinson’s, addressing mental health can also make it easier to stay engaged in daily life, manage symptoms, and maintain a sense of connection and identity.

Finding the right support can take time. What helps one person may not work for another—and needs may change as Parkinson’s progresses.

Support from friends, family, and peers can also make a meaningful difference. Sometimes the most important step is simply feeling seen, heard, and understood.

Starting the conversation

There are no wrong questions when it comes to mental health and Parkinson’s. Wondering whether a change is “just part of Parkinson’s,” feeling unsure about what support looks like, or needing reassurance are all valid.

Mental Health Week is a reminder that mental health is part of overall health. Whether you’re living with Parkinson’s or caring for someone who is, reaching out for information and support can be an important step toward feeling less alone—and more connected.

Next steps: Take action

If you’re noticing changes in mood, anxiety, motivation, or emotional well-being—whether for yourself or someone you care for—consider taking one of the steps below. Support is available, and reaching out can be a meaningful first step.

Need to talk to someone?

The Parkinson Canada Support and Information Team provides personalized, empathetic support for people living with Parkinson’s, care partners, and health care professionals. We are here to help at every stage—providing guidance, education, and compassionate support. We connect people to support groups, community resources, educational materials and national programs. We can be reached by phone at 1-888-664-1974 or email at support@parkinson.ca, Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. ET.

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger or needs urgent mental health support, call or text 988 (Suicide Crisis Helpline) any time. If this is an emergency, call 911.