Hi, I also suffer from dysthymia and have had episodes of major depression. I can definitely relate to what you said about your brain not knowing how to behave any other way. My norm is just a low mood and it is exhausting to be bolstering myself up every day. I've been on several different anti-depressants without much luck. Maybe it's just me personally, or the dysthymia that is more resistant to medication. I do think anti-depressants have helped to an extent as now I have more control over moods and can sometimes talk myself out of a low mood. I'd say try an anti-depressant but know that it might take some time to find something that works for you.