Does anyone else have dysthymia? I was diagnosed last year but probably have always had it. It can be treated but I don't think there is a cure. I am on two medications but I still feel pretty low most of the time. It's a heavy burden sometimes, and seems to just make life so much more difficult. Can anyone else relate?
Dysthymia is near constant mild depression punctuated by periods of severe depresion. It is so constant that I have heard it said that people with this disorder can forget what it feels like to be really happy. Its not so dramatic or pronounced as a lot of other disorders, but that can be what is frustrating because doctors usualy look for severe depression and overlook dysthymia. I am sure I have had it my whole life but was not diagnosed until I was 29. Its sort of like going through your whole life feeling like something is wrong but not knowing what it is.
Wow, that sounds really horrible. I have bipolar disorder and have fought off a few bouts of severe depression. Nothing is worse than that. I have to be on medications and will never be cured, but my medications seem to be working. Have you asked you doctor to change up your medications? Sometimes it about finding the right combination and the right dosage. It took me a while to find what works for me. You shouldn't have to suffer. And of course, you have to have an active role in your recovery. The medicine is just a tool. You have to try to do things that elevate your moods. Like exercise and new hobbies and things like that. The pills alone won't help.
I'm not sure what you mean, but the only meaning I know of for the term CBT is Cock and Ball Torture, and I can't see how that is relevant. Is that what you mean? Or is there another meaning for CBT that I am unaware of?
"the only meaning I know of for the term CBT is Cock and Ball Torture, and I can't see how that is relevant" LOL Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.... I probably shouldn't have said anything this specific. What I should have asked is if you had tried counselling... anyway, look it up. It could be helpful.
i thinhk i know what you is talking about when you say you nevr been in a good mood .i can relate.i got problems too,but i take meds now and my outlook is better.i actually know what its like to be in a good mood once in awhile now.but meds alone didnt do it for me,things like talking to others ,having someone u can share u feelings with helps,plus exercise and counselling
Panzer, It is possible to overcome dysthymia. Medicine can help some but it usually isn't enough, as you know. I suggest taking a wholistic approach: o Regular exercise o Good nutrition, e.g., eat healthy and take a quality multivitamin & mineral supplement and omega-3 fish oil o Abstain or significantly limit alcohol and other drug use, e.g, no more than two standard drinks (standard drink = 12 oz. beer; 5 oz. wine; 1.5 oz. liquor) per day and do not drink every day. o Make sure physiological causes like hypothyroidism, sleep disorders, and allergies are ruled out by your physician. o Cultivate fulfilling relationships with friends and family whenever possible o Develop your spiritual life o Connect with nature o Do something fun every day o Create - write, paint, build, restore, plant . . . o Join a men's group (e.g., the ManKind Project) o Consider Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)-- a well-researched approach to therapy that I find to be unique and powerful. There is a list of therapists in the UK on that site. There's also a self-help book, although if you can swing it, I highly recommend working with an ACT therapist. I hope this helps, Mark
