New Year, New Voice.
I know what it feels to be on the sidelines. To speak and always be asked to repeat myself. To feel outside of the conversation. I try to project my voice but what comes out is strained and muted.
Parkinson’s has stolen my voice and I’m taking it back. I’m going to work on strengthening my facial muscles. I’m fighting a tightness that causes my smile to be cut short to nonexistent. I can’t always feel it when I have a “masked face” with no expression. It requires a steady determination to exercise and train the brain to remember what it feels like to smile.
Next comes deep breathing and strengthening of the expiratory muscles. This involves inhaling through the nose and exhaling through the mouth taking long deep breaths to activate the diaphragm. Adding a practice of vocal sounds allows access to the projection and inflection of the voice. This is going to be time consuming but will have great long-term results.
“Bringing back my voice is a top priority for 2023. Parkinson’s wants to make me smaller but I have different plans. ”
A major side affect for me of living with a weak voice is an avoidance of social situations. I will sometimes opt out of making dinner plans or attending big functions because I envision not being able to communicate effectively. I have also felt a lowering of confidence when I want to add to a conversation or express my point of view.
Bringing back my voice is a top priority for 2023. Parkinson’s wants to make me smaller but I have different plans.
About Miriam
I share my personal stories to offer a glimpse into what it is like to live with Young Onset Parkinson’s, revealing honest and intimate reflections. Hearing other people’s stories can be a lifeline for many of us living with this neurodegenerative disease. I hope to inspire and educate people living with Parkinson’s and to create community through shared experiences.