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By Daryn Potgieter, a cricketer living with Parkinson's. Last checked 6 October 2026.
Short answer: Parkinson's isn't only physical. Parkinson's UK says nearly half of people with Parkinson's have experienced anxiety or depression. Belief matters too: in one study, people who didn't expect exercise to help were far less likely to exercise. Mindset isn't a treatment, but it can change what you try.
Parkinson's UK says nearly half of all people with Parkinson's have experienced anxiety or depression. Parkinson's UK: Mental health These are symptoms of the condition, not a weakness.
A 2020 review in Movement Disorders notes that stressful episodes can worsen some motor symptoms, such as tremor and freezing. Van der Heide et al., 2020
In a study of 260 people with Parkinson's, those who didn't exercise were more likely to say they didn't expect to benefit from it, and more likely to report fear of falling. Ellis et al., 2013 That's a link, not proof of cause, but it matched my own life.
My experience: I'll take on any challenge, because I believe I can achieve it. Most of the time the only thing stopping me is the belief that my Parkinson's won't let me do it.
That's my experience, not a rule. If you're struggling, it doesn't mean you're not trying hard enough.
The research is promising but small. A 2017 review of mindfulness-based stress reduction found "limited and inconclusive evidence" for people with Parkinson's. McLean et al., 2017 The 2020 review found improvements in some trials but said it was often unclear whether the effects were clinically meaningful. Bigger trials are under way.
So: mindfulness won't change the disease. For some people it may help with stress, and stress matters.
In a trial of 80 people with Parkinson's and depression, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) was associated with improvements in depression, anxiety, coping and quality of life. Dobkin et al.
Talk to your GP or Parkinson's nurse. The Parkinson's UK helpline is free on 0808 800 0303. More support from Parkinson's UK
Yes, it can. Parkinson's UK says nearly half of people with Parkinson's have experienced anxiety or depression.
Mindset isn't a treatment and doesn't slow Parkinson's. But beliefs can affect what people try: one study found people who didn't expect exercise to help were less likely to exercise.
The evidence is promising but limited. Small trials suggest it may help some people with stress and mood, and larger trials are under way.
Your GP or Parkinson's nurse, and the free Parkinson's UK helpline on 0808 800 0303.
Batting Against Parkinson's: twelve hours in the nets, Saturday 20 February 2027, PowerPlay RH1, Redhill. All ages and abilities welcome.
This page shares lived experience and published information. It is not medical advice. Talk to your GP, consultant or Parkinson's nurse about your own care.