My t and I have been discussing dysthymia. My main symptoms are sleep issues (mainly initial insomnia), hopelessness, low energy, difficulty concentrating, and craving/overeating carbs and sweets. I don't really know what "phase" I would be in as it is a long term depression. I have good days and bad days. I've known I had something "depressive" on and off since I was 13 but didn't seek help until my 30s. I guess my relationship is somewhat of that old "friend" (I used friend loosely here) that is around for awhile, then moves away, then comes back to town for a few years, then moves away again. We are familiar with each other.

I mainly manage through talk therapy. We discussed meds as a possibility, but I would like to try to work through it without meds. I am not sure how successful that will be. Things haven't been very good the last few months. I take melatonin to help with the sleep issues. I've also been trying to get more exercise and eat better. But when I am really down, exercising and making healthy meals seems nearly impossible.