Dysthymia Chronic Depression

Dysthymia is incredibly common. Dysthymia is also known as Chronic Depression, because it is characterized by the person’s moods usually being low. There are no severe downs or any ups really, just negative or low emotion. The symptoms are similar to Clinical/Major Depression but the low mood occurs on most days for at least two years. The mood may also be irritable, not just depressed. There are feelings of hopelessness, too little or too much sleep, fatigue, low self-esteem, over or under eating, poor concentration, no interest in daily activities, avoidance of social activities, and having a distorted negative view about themselves, the world, or people in general. These feelings interfere with life, relationships, and completing goals. Dysthymia can morph into major/clinical depression, and sometimes a major depression episode occurs with Dysthymia. This is known as double depression. A diagnosis occurs when you talk to a doctor or therapist. They’ll examine your medical history and past diagnoses and talk about how you feel and how long those negative feelings have lasted. Treatment, like most mental illnesses, usually consists of a combination of talk therapy, medication, and positive life changes. Talking to a therapist about what’s going on in your life, having them explain how to change those warped negative thoughts, and having their advice can help a lot. Getting plenty of rest, exercise, nutritious food, and surrounding yourself with positive people can help. It’s best to avoid stressors, drugs, alcohol, and negative or toxic people. Antidepressants are many times used to treat Dysthymia. Every medication works differently for everyone, and medication doesn’t work for everyone.

Dysthymia a lot of times comes with a low sex drive. Many medications also come with low sex drive, so talk to your doctor about changing medications if this happens. There are many things that can help increase sex drive. The main thing is to talk to your partner. If you’re not feeling up to sex, try some other form of intimacy like watching a movie you love, going out on a date, or cuddling. You may want to be reclusive, but try to reach out to your partner. You don’t have to go through this alone. Partners of people with Dysthymia, be patient. Know that it’s their illness and not them. Know that they care for you. It can be difficult to feel cared for when you partner tries to isolate themselves and feels like things are never going to get better but just be there for them. Give them the space they need but let them know that you’re always there for them. And for any person with Dysthymia who is looking for a partner, know you’re worth it and you will find someone who loves you.