Is It the Blahs or Is It Chronic Depression?
Chronic depression, also known as dysthymia, is a form of depression that has fewer symptoms than major depression. Chronic depression can persist over a long period of time, sometimes 2 years or longer. Scientists haven’t found a genetic link. Some patients who experience chronic depression can slip into major depression at times, creating a different storm called double depression. If you suspect you may have depression, search for chronic depression treatment centers and get the help you need and deserve today.
The Symptoms of Dysthymia
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, about 15 percent of Americans are affected by dysthymia. While it might not be as disabling pr debilitating as major depression, it can affect your overall sense of well being. It affects more women than men and interferes with daily functioning. The symptoms can include a never-ending, almost everyday cycle of
- Sadness or depressed mood
- Excessive sleep
- Feeling rundown or restless, especially if loved ones have noticed
- Loss of enjoyment in activities that used to be pleasurable
- A major change in weight and/or appetite; sometimes a 5 percent change in weight within a month
- Loss of energy or fatigue
- Feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness or excessive guilt
- Problems with concentrating on even small tasks or
- Difficulty making every day and sometimes simple decisions
- Recurring thoughts of suicide or death, a suicide plan, or even a suicide attempt
Whether you have major depression or dysthymia, it’s time to see a professional who will determine the best course of care for your particular symptoms. Ongoing emotional support from a caring, non-judgemental therapist will help lift the burden of these symptoms from your shoulders. It’s vital to visit with someone who can help you understand what you need in your life to manage depression and learn to cope in a way that is medically sound and healthy.
Your Next Step
If you feel you may have depression, never be afraid to ask for help. It could be that you find it hard to pick up a phone and call someone to describe your symptoms. Search for a chronic depression treatment centers website that welcomes you to describe in writing how you are feeling. It may help to copy and paste the list above, deleting the symptoms you don’t have and adding any additional concerns you may have that are not on the list. Asking for help is often difficult, especially when you’re used to being in control but it’s absolutely worth it. Depression and dysthymia are biological and certainly not a sign of weakness. Make today the day you reach out for help.
