Hi everyone,
I know I don't usually post in this forum, so I'm sorry for coming here first thing with questions..
But last week in T, my therapist and I were discussing my depression (or what appears to be - I've never become fully convinced) She says I really don't fit the category of major depression, rather dysthymia. I've been familiar with this dx because I've done research on it. So I went to the wikipedia page for this disorder, and it sounds...just like me. Of course. The reason I still am not convinced is because it doesn't make sense to me. So I've felt sad for years, since about the age of 11 or 12, but isn't that normal for teenagers? It was never just normal sadness, though. It was deeper than that. Still is. I don't know if it's hopelessness or not.
Ok, so maybe that fits the dx, but what about the fact that I laugh? I laugh! I'm a funny person! How is that characteristic of depression?
The other symptoms fit to a T. Irritability, low self-esteem, lack of motivation etc. Some things come and go, like sleep and eating issues (too much of both).

I just don't get it. I apologize if I've written one of these "what's wrong with me can you help me I don't get it" posts before. I guess what I'm asking is, does anyone have this, and does this sound like it could be depression or dysthymia? I guess my self-image and confidence are what I struggle with most. I hate my body. When it's about my work (art and writing) I'll feel great about it for awhile, then think it's crap.

Thanks for any help. Maybe I just need a kick in the pants.