Session 1: Understanding Fatigue in Parkinson's
Introduction
Welcome to the ReFresh Online Fatigue Management Program! In this inaugural session, we'll introduce you to the concept of fatigue in Parkinson's, laying the groundwork for our journey ahead. Understanding the different types of fatigue and exploring contributing factors will be key to managing and mitigating its impact on your daily life.
Click on the video below to be taken through the first week's content.
Exploring Fatigue in Parkinson's
In this session, we'll delve into the multifaceted nature of fatigue in Parkinson's. We'll discuss the different types of fatigue and explore various contributing factors that can influence its intensity and impact on your daily activities.
Types of Fatigue
Fatigue isn't a one-size-fits-all experience. We'll explore the different types, including physical, mental, and sensory fatigue. Recognizing these distinctions is crucial for tailoring effective strategies to manage each aspect.
Contributing Factors
Understanding the contributing factors to fatigue is like decoding the puzzle. We'll examine aspects such as medication, sleep, and stress that can play a role in the intensity of fatigue. This knowledge will empower you to address these factors proactively.
Homework Tasks
1. Activity/Fatigue Diary
To kickstart your involvement in the program, we encourage you to maintain an Activity Diary and Energy Measures Sheet. This tool serves as your companion in tracking daily experiences, offering valuable insights into patterns and identifying triggers associated with fatigue. By consistently recording your activities and energy levels, you'll gain a clearer understanding of how they interconnect, laying the foundation for effective fatigue management strategies.
These can be downloaded here:
If you want a pack of the printable resources for this course please email Sarah. Please state if you need them in standard (12 point) sized font or large text (16 point font).
2. Exercise
There is strong evidence that doing three 30-minute sessions of exercise every week improves fatigue in people with Parkinson’s. Get access to our web page of advice on how to do this safely and well.
Conclusion
As we conclude this introductory session, we hope you've gained a foundational understanding of fatigue in Parkinson's. Stay tuned as we progress through the program, equipping you with practical strategies to manage and navigate fatigue effectively. Your journey towards fatigue management is just beginning, and we're here to support you every step of the way!
Surveys
We have two quick surveys for you to complete once you have viewed the video and completed the homework tasks.
1. Feedback survey - which just asks a few questions about how useful and usable this week's content has been. It will only take a couple of minutes to complete. This will let us improve the relevancy and easy of use of each week's content. Start this survey.
2. Personal goals (COPM survey) - This survey asks you to think about your personal goals you would like to address by managing your fatigue better. This will take 5-10 minutes to complete. Start the personal goals (COPM) survey.
Your feedback is invaluable, contributing to the collective understanding of fatigue in Parkinson's.
Additional Resources and Support
We understand that managing fatigue in Parkinson's can be a complex journey, and additional support may be beneficial. Here are some trusted resources you can explore for further assistance:
Parkinson's UK Helpline:
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Parkinson's UK is a leading charity offering support and conducting research for Parkinson's disease.
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Helpline: Call their free, confidential helpline at 0808 800 0303 (available Monday to Friday, 9 am to 6 pm, and Saturdays from 10 am to 2 pm).
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Email: Reach out via email at hello@parkinsons.org.uk.
MIND - For Better Mental Health:
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MIND is a mental health charity providing valuable information, support, and services.
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Visit their MIND Information and Support Page for a range of guides and resources.
