Down in the Dumps

Two Years of Mild Depression?

No Thank you!
Hello! I decided to take a break from shoveling. I thought I would share what was going through my mind as I was doing this tedious task.

(okay I am always thinking as my husband says.) 
Dysthymic Disorder:
 
What is that? You may ask. Well it is a type of depression, less aggressive but just as important to recognize the signs. This mood disorder can be chronic in nature and will invade your everyday life for years! I don’t know about you but this type of depression would get old really fast.
 
As with depression, Dysthymic disorder occurs in more women than men and there is often family history of mood disorders. Dysthymic Disorder shows up early in life, but can occur anytime during a person’s lifetime.

The symptoms often include:

                Hopelessness or helplessness
                Trouble sleeping or sleepiness during the daytime
                Bad appetite or eating too much
                Fatigue
                Low self-esteem
                Trouble Concentrating or making decisions

You know I don’t like to label anyone with a disorder, but there may be some of these symptoms lying around your life or someone you know. I feel that it is important to discuss this because with depression there is a sudden change in the aforementioned symptoms, but is Dysthymic Disorder it needs to be occurring over a two year period or longer. This can lead to you feeling inadequate or pessimistic.


This is no way to live!!!!!

What is the treatment?

Talk therapy is the number one recommended therapy for this disorder. You knew I would say that!

If you are already talking to a therapist (even if it's not me) and it is not getting you the results you were seeking, then also seeking medicine may be beneficial. Sometimes getting that feeling to subside for a little while is great for starting the work of talk therapy. Remember if you do go for an antidepressant, discuss options of getting off the medicine within a year, some medicines require medical supervision to stop taking it.

Another thing to try is get outside, go for a walk, do aerobic exercise four to six times a week, well anything to get oxygen to the brain. Light therapy, music and social support have also been proven to help.
 
As always I am here to help if you are experiencing these symptoms or you just need someone to help you out.

Have a great day!!!!
 
I am back to shoveling!