Posted in 
: 
Prop H8
Sign In >>
Julie Cohen is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist MFT and a Child Mental Health Specialist with a private practice in Los Angeles Her areas of focus include depression anxiety panic post-traumatic stress bipolar…
FAST FACTS
Dysthymic Disorder: An Often Ignored Depression
“I’ve never really been happy.” This is a statement that I hear a lot in my private practice. It is often accompanied by, “people in my life always disappoint me.” These can easily be interpreted as whiny statements from people who just need to get on with their life. But, they are NOT! It can be a sign of a long-term low-grade depression called Dysthymia. Dysthymic disorder is characterized by at least two years of depressive symptoms that are present more days than not.
While the symptoms are not generally as severe as a major depressive disorder, people often live without joy in their lives. They may go along for years functioning normally, going to work or school, socializing, having relationships and participating in the daily activities of life. However, while doing all those activities there is an almost always present dark mood or sadness.
Other symptoms include: a sense of hopelessness, lack of energy, excessive tiredness or fatigue, low self-esteem, sleeping too much or inability to sleep, over-eating or lack of appetite, and difficulty focusing or concentrating.
Dysthymia often goes undiagnosed for a long time. Typically, if someone is functioning every day they don’t consider their symptoms “bad” enough to seek help. People suffering with dysthymia can also be very good at hiding their symptoms so friends and even family don’t notice an underlying depression. When asked, “how are you?” people with dysthymia will often reply something like, “I’m fine, just the usual stress but that’s life, right?”
If these symptoms sound familiar you may want to consider seeking the help of a professional for an evaluation. The good news is that dysthymic disorder is very treatable and has a good prognosis. Sometimes treatment involves psychotherapy or a combination of psychotherapy and antidepressants. The most important part is to start talking about how you really feel and recognize that life should not be painful every day.
While the symptoms are not generally as severe as a major depressive disorder, people often live without joy in their lives. They may go along for years functioning normally, going to work or school, socializing, having relationships and participating in the daily activities of life. However, while doing all those activities there is an almost always present dark mood or sadness.
Other symptoms include: a sense of hopelessness, lack of energy, excessive tiredness or fatigue, low self-esteem, sleeping too much or inability to sleep, over-eating or lack of appetite, and difficulty focusing or concentrating.
Dysthymia often goes undiagnosed for a long time. Typically, if someone is functioning every day they don’t consider their symptoms “bad” enough to seek help. People suffering with dysthymia can also be very good at hiding their symptoms so friends and even family don’t notice an underlying depression. When asked, “how are you?” people with dysthymia will often reply something like, “I’m fine, just the usual stress but that’s life, right?”
If these symptoms sound familiar you may want to consider seeking the help of a professional for an evaluation. The good news is that dysthymic disorder is very treatable and has a good prognosis. Sometimes treatment involves psychotherapy or a combination of psychotherapy and antidepressants. The most important part is to start talking about how you really feel and recognize that life should not be painful every day.
Previous:
Stop personalizing other’s mistakes
CATEGORIES:
Answers
CONDITIONS AND COMMUNITIES:
Depression
•
Depression - Teen
•
Depression in Children
•
Depression Supporters
•
Families & Friends of Gays & Lesbians
•
Gay & Lesbian Teens
•
Gay Men's Challenges
•
Gay Parenting
•
Healthy Eating
•
Healthy Relationships
•
Healthy Sex
•
Lesbian Relationship Challenges
•
Post Partum Depression
Displaying comments 5-1 of 5
5
I think this might be what it is that I'm dealing with. I just don't really know what to do to do anything about it.
By buffoon Nov 09, 2009
4
I think that this describes me, but I can recall me being happy and experiencing joy. Does that mean that I'm not dysthymic and suffer from depression?
By shoulderneeded Oct 21, 2009
3
What types of psychotherapy could benefit me since Im sure that who you are describing is me and many others as well? I do not want to take any meds.
By gma2 Oct 20, 2009
2
I've actually had this diagnosis and find that therapy has been more effective than an antidepressant. Success has not been quick or immediate, it has been a long and painful process. I've taken many antidepressants over my lifetime but being in therapy and digging into my issues has been the most effective treatment.
By sensitive Oct 20, 2009
1
This fits me to a "T", except for the fact that I am like this on meds, and when not, or they stop working, them I go into major depression. I guess maybe I haven't found the right med to bring me up to being like normal, undepressed people, instead of just existing like in dysthymia. Can't even get into counselling to see if that will help.
By findmydream Oct 20, 2009
Got a Question?
