Apathetic
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Anticipatory grief is feeling sad about a potential loss before it happens. Some people grieve the loss of a loved one before they pass; others grieve the loss of life or retirement they might not get to experience.
It’ s essential to recognize that these— and all— emotions are valid, and that you have the right to feel the way you do.
Naming What You Feel
Instead of suppressing emotions, aim to acknowledge and label them. When we see our emotions as guides, they turn into tools that steer everyday choices and foster long-term well-being. Naming emotions lessens their intensity and helps you move forward with them. It allows you to dive deeper into what you feel and why, which helps you process and communicate how you feel.
Respected
Ashamed
Remorseful
Neglected
Isolated
Numb
Indifferent
Abandoned
Apathetic
Fulfilled
Judgmental
Indignant
Confident
Determined
Satisfied
Accepted
Guilty
Abandoned
Depressed
Dismayed
Lonely
Disapproval
Revolted
Proud
Hopeful
Disappointed
Offended
Shocked
Peaceful
Open
Sad
Appalled
Hesitant
Optimistic
Happy
Inspired
Disgust
Avoidant
Cold
Eager
Excited
Distant
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If you have trouble naming a feeling, try using the emotion wheel. This categorizes a range of emotions in three concentric circles increasing in complexity. The innermost circle represents broad primary emotions, which are basic, instinctual responses that everyone experiences, such as happiness, fear, surprise or disgust. The middle circle includes secondary emotions, which are those we feel in
Surprise
Anger
Energetic
Withdrawn
Fear
Amazed
Frustrated
Delighted
Exasperated
Mad
Confused
Hurt
Irritated
Astonished
Startled
Perplexed
Rejected
Insecure
Anxious
Scared
Aggravated
Panicked
Furious
Shocked
Rejected
Dismayed
Disrespected
Alienated
Inadequate
Jealous
Overwhelmed
Out of Control
Frightened
Helpless
Embarrassed response to primary emotions, like joy stemming from happiness. The outer circle includes tertiary emotions, the most specific and detailed feelings, like delight building from surprise and amazement.
Emotions and Moods: What’ s the Difference?
Am I sad or am I depressed? Am I worried or do I have anxiety?
When it comes to emotions, many care partners wonder what’ s normal, given the circumstances and what might be a sign of something deeper at play. We all have emotions. Many people, especially those with Parkinson’ s and their care partners, also experience mood changes like depression or anxiety. These mood changes can cause excessive worry or sadness that interferes with daily life, loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities or emotional withdrawal from others.
Recognizing the difference between emotion and mood, and managing each, is an important part of caring for both you and your loved one.
One research study, for example, found that unaddressed emotional strain in care partners leads to poorer mental health for them as well as poorer quality of life for their person with Parkinson’ s.
Emotions are short-lived reactions to a clear event. Moods float in the background for hours or days with no obvious trigger. Picture the jolt of irritation when a neurologist runs late( emotion) versus the gray discouragement that lingers all afternoon( mood). Emotions are briefer but more intense, while moods are diffuse and last longer, shaping how we think about everything we do. Remember, emotions are temporary: What might seem like the worst feeling ever, one that will never go away, will ease over time.
Experiencing sadness, an emotion, after a tough physical therapy session is normal and usually lifts with a supportive phone call or a good night of sleep. Depression, a mood that affects up to one-third of care partners, persists for weeks or more and drains motivation, energy and enjoyment. Worry about
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