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Dear CJ, Sounds like your friend needs a lesson in "how bad things can be in the world outside PD." Having Parkinson's is not the worst thing to have. It is no fun either. But at least one has a chance to "see" things coming. Visit friends and rearrange one's life. Not so, with terminal diseases such as cancer or a child who has been desperately waited for to only die at 12 or sooner from a rare disease. Your friend has lots of things in life to be thankful for if only its seeing the sunrise for another day. Try showing your friend some of the misery outside of her world so they can see just how "lucky" she is to have PD and to make the most of her life instead of being depressed and full of self pity. If your friend lives alone , see if she can have a pet. A little responsibility everyday is really good therapy. Getting your friend out to places is great as well as just being their for her. Try and get her to see herself as just another person with a handicap not a disabling disease. This little bit of illusion helps one get through tons of explanations with the ignoramuses of the world. Remember, Parky's generally are a step behind in thought reactions as well as walking. If need be, slow down the pace of a conversation. Learn to take a breath so she doesnt feel pressured to reply . This way she may be more relaxed and less depressed about conversing and just doing things. Her mind may be whirling to answer you but she just cant get it together to answer so give her the time to do so if necessary. I wouldnt worry so much about saying the right thing. Your'e there arent you? Sometimes a smile as a response is all that is needed. Your friendship is important to her too. Depression is easy to get into but with understanding of PD and getting busy and staying busy it is harder to slip into on a regular basis. I wish you luck in getting her out of her depression episodes and on with life. My dog keeps me going out the door at least four times a day just for him. Rob ----- Original Message ----- From: Cathy James <[log in to unmask]> To: <[log in to unmask]> Sent: Wednesday, January 07, 2004 7:48 AM Subject: Stalevo/depression > Has anyone tried Stalevo? My friend's levadopa is not lasting as long as it did. Should I encourage her to try Stalevo? > > On another note, what is the best way to deal with depression in addition to therapy? I know you all must experience this. What have friends done for you or said to you that helped the most? I'm at a loss for new things to try. I take her out walking and to movies and dinner, etc. I never seem to say the right thing. > > Thanks! > CJ > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] > In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn