2 Parkies in a Pod: a Parkinson's Podcast

Coming Out

2 Parkies in a Pod: a Parkinson's Podcast

Show Notes

Many people living with Parkinson’s struggle to talk about their diagnosis. Fear, stigma, and uncertainty can keep people silent for years. Even Michael J. Fox kept his Parkinson’s diagnosis private for almost a decade. This week on 2 Parkies in a Pod, we meet Scott and Paul, who share powerful, deeply personal coming out stories — not just about Parkinson’s, but about identity, isolation, and finding the courage to be seen. Paul reflects on how closely his Parkinson’s journey mirrored his experience of coming out as gay: “I guess I dealt with Parkinson’s in the same way I dealt with realising I was gay… by not talking to anyone about it for many years" Scott speaks honestly about living with Parkinson’s while single, gay, and without family support: “Being single, gay, with no family support, I did feel very isolated — and there weren’t many people I could see in the community that I had anything in common with.” In one of the episode’s most raw moments, Scott also opens up about experiencing suicidal thoughts and explains how the helplessness he felt during tests for deep brain stimulation treatment resurfaced memories of past sexual abuse. His honesty shines a light on the complex mental health challenges faced by many people with Parkinson’s — challenges that often remain unspoken. This is a story about vulnerability, survival, and connection. A story of adversity, community and ultimately ...gratitude.

Parkinson’s and The Invisible Man (Scott’s YouTube channel) https://www.youtube.com/@Parkinsonsandtheinvisibleman Parkinson’s UK Mental Health https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/information/symptoms/behavioural/mental-health Podcast Club https://localsupport.parkinsons.org.uk/activity/young-onset-parkinsons-online-group LGBTQIA+ Network https://localsupport.parkinsons.org.uk/activity/lgbtqia-network-meeting-online DBS Network https://forms.gle/ApDHqGaDF38n6wYa7 Join our yoga group https://dawnwilliamsyoga.co.uk 1 in 3 living alone research insights https://denpruexeter.nihr.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/DeNPRU-Exeter_living-alone-with-a-progressive-neurological-condition_policy-brief.pdf Par-Con 2025 mental health video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-PwOYRSe4Q&list=PL1ixQpbHed3Y9_jS-WuZePcFa7N_O7aNi&index=7&pp=iAQB0gcJCSkKAYcqIYzv Hear Me charity https://www.parkinsons.me/hearme Nutrition PD http://prksn.uk/47RAlmu

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