Depression Types That Can Affect You

Dysthymia or chronic depression is said to be a less severe form of depression. With Dysthymia, your depression symptoms can last for a very long time, perhaps two or more years. Sufferers of Dysthymia are able to function adequately but may appear consistently unhappy. The ongoing sadness is treatable with therapy and medication. It occurs twice as often in women than in men and is more common among the poor and unmarried.

Some of the symptoms of Dysthymia are poor work performance, social withdrawal, and irregular sleep habits, conflict with family and friends, and parents with major depression. At least 75% of people who have Dysthymia have other psychiatric or medical disorder as well.

Treatment of Dysthymic Depression will always include psychotherapy but in many cases antidepressants is recommended due to the chronic nature of the disease. If you are diagnosed with Dysthymia you will work with a therapist in supportive counseling, cognitive therapy, and problem solving therapy. You would also likely need a support system and day to day coping tools. These treatments are known to help Dysthymia sufferers go on with their daily routines and get the most enjoyment out of life.

There are some non-pharmaceutical things you can do for yourself that could help you. For instance, sleep is very important in any healing process and those with depression can have many sleepless nights. Some things that might help you sleep are music, a good book, or aromatherapy. You can also keep a journal. Consistently writing your thoughts and feelings down can be very therapeutic. Don't forget family and friends. Being able to turn to loved ones in the dark times can always help. Even still, it is important to remember that depression can be devastating to every aspect of a person's life, many people still feel like they should be able to shake off the majority of their symptoms themselves and it is that kind of thinking that keeps them from seeking professional help. It is important to not be embarrassed or ashamed and to seek professional help when you need it.

Believe it or not, there is hope for recovery. Though a full recovery from Dysthymia is slow and not guaranteed, around 70% of patients recover after four years. Of these, at least half are likely to have a recurrence so it is best to continue with the successful plan that got you to the recovery in the first place.

In conclusion, if you continue to be down, feel worthless, or have trouble concentrating but are still able to function daily, talk to a doctor or therapist and see what treatment is available to you. You are worth the quality of life you desire.