Chronic Depression – Dysthymia
Chronic Depression – Dysthymia
Chronic depression, also known as Dysthymia, affects many people and is one of the more minor types of depression although the symptoms can last for very long periods of time. Symptoms for chronic depression are very similar to **major depression** though they are not quite as extreme; chronic depression symptoms may be more persistent however. Dysthymia is essentially your basic depression that can be caused by outside factors as well as other life problems that can include everything in the range from work, relationship, medication, chronic illness, and any number of other things that may cause depression. It can last for years but those who suffer from it are still able to function properly unlike some of the other types of depression such as **manic depression** (bipolar disorder) that render many afflicted by it as unable to function, and in a sense disabled due to psychological problems. Dysthymia may be the garden variety depression but with some suffering for years it has the possibility to escalate into major depression and could lead to the possibility of the sufferer causing harm to themselves.
Chronic Depression – Treatment
Some of the chronic depression treatments may include medication in the form of antidepressants if necessary but there are also other possible remedies. One of the possible treatments for chronic depression is very basic; diet and exercise. This can help many functions in the body that can in turn help with **depression symptoms** as well as increasing serotonin levels. Brain chemistry functions and lower serotonin levels are believed to be a possible cause of chronic depression, though no one is quite sure what causes chronic depression. Counseling is also an option to help treat chronic depression. Another possible treatment may need to be a change in lifestyle and for some depression may just be a sign that something needs to change, so figure out what factors are making you unhappy and fix them. Yes, this always easier said than done but if depression is affecting you then you need to take a look from the outside and see what you can do for yourself before resorting to medication. Medication can be very beneficial for some but it shouldn’t be relied on completely for your symptoms.
Chronic Depression – Symptoms
Chronic depression symptoms can include sleep problems such as insomnia or oversleeping, weight gain or loss from overeating or not eating enough due to a loss of appetite, and lower energy levels. All of these can continue the cycle of depression as each symptom leads into another and can just cause further feelings of depression. Those who suffer need to break the cycle to start that climb out of the downward spiral. Emotional symptoms can include feelings of sadness, guilt, hopelessness, worthlessness, and a feeling helplessness. Those who suffer from chronic depression may also lose interest in activities and have a hard time enjoying themselves or may not even want to try. It can also slow down their ability to make decisions as well as causing a physical tired feeling throughout the day. There can also be physical symptoms such as illness or aches and pains that don’t diminish or stop with treatment. Chronic depression affects nearly eleven million people in the United States alone but it is treatable.
