Thanks for posting this Debi - it's so very important!

I have been outspoken about my own travails with depression (the only medication change recommended by my neuro yesterday was doubling the low dosage of antidepressant I've been taking - I'm looking forward to positive results - and I pay out of pocket for weekly talk therapy - it's that important - on my Social Security-only income).

Please take action if you think you are depressed - you can be helped to feel better! Acknowledging and dealing with depression is not a weakness - it keeps me going, and as happy as possible!

Here is what the two doctors interviewed in the blog said; I'm copying them here for emphasis:

"Dr. Richard: Unfortunately, many people are reluctant to admit that they are depressed since there can be a stigma attached to depression. Some people even view it as a sign of weakness and something that they can ‘get over.’ It is important to realize that depression is a part of the disease and isn’t something that one can ‘will away.’ I firmly believe that seeking out treatment is a sign of strength: People who acknowledge that they are suffering from depression and proactively look to do something about this should be commended. They will likely experience significant relief when their depression is treated.

Dr. Facheris: It’s important to seek out help to reverse the often vicious circle of depression. When you feel blue, you are less likely to go out, and this can be seriously detrimental to people with PD if it prevents them from staying socially connected or from exercising to help improve their motor symptoms.

If you are experiencing depression, speak openly about it with your neurologist. Depression can manifest itself in a variety of ways that may not always be obvious to you, such as loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping, fatigue, irritability, and/or anxiety. Caregivers are also good at helping to identify changes that might be taking place that you may not notice in yourself; if your spouse or other close connection mentions changes in your mood or personality, take it seriously. Depression can be deadly when it goes untreated."