dysthymia denial

I was just diagnosed with dysthymic disorder this week. I tried telling this to my best friend, but he only looked astonished as he explained, "but you're not even depressed...it's called being a teenager!"
I guess I was a little hurt because he's never actually asked me if I'm depressed, but at the same time, I've always told him that I'm not depressed just because I thought my already-existing sadness was normal. So all my closest friends have this impression that I'm happy with life, because I don't have the guts or motivation to tell any of them how I really feel.
It's so easy for me to pretend to be something else, since I don't like who I really am.

Hello & Welcome, 988154!

I regret but am not surprised your friends cannot appreciate your diagnosis. People who who have not experienced a form of depression rarely understand what it really is. And, being young, many will dismiss your feelings as typically (stereotypically) those of teenagers.

If you can find anyone willing to learn about the realities of clinical depression I recommend of Stanford University.

Please keep posting.

I'm with you - I HATE when people, especially parents and peers, chalk up our (very real) depression to "normal teenage angst". Yeah, that's what it is all right. So that means teens that sleep constantly, hate themselves, and sometimes want to hurt themselves are experiencing something totally normal. Because, of course, they could never really feel that way......

Hang in there...so many of us are going through the same thing. I'm 17 and I have dysthymia too.

We (people who are depressed) have to live in a supposedly non-depressed world. It’s all a game really, everybody pretends that they’re having a great time and bouncing through life.
Please don’t feel that you have to pretend to be someone else but also remember that a lot of your friends might not want to listen, and it doesn’t make them bad, it just makes them less of a friend than someone who is willing to open their ears and their heart to you.

Forget about the depression. Recognize it, acknowledge it and move on. Don’t be afraid to be happy.

I've suffered with dysthymia since my teens. My mama thought I was just going through a teenaged phase. I feel if my parents had helped me by seeking treatment at that young age, I would have had a much better time during my twenties. So, in a way, you're lucky. Don't worry to much about your friends' reactions. Most of those people will not be a part of your life much longer anyway (after graduation). Do what the doctor/therapist tell you and keep looking forward to a better tomorrow.l

to PC.

I think that's a common response - being a teen is tough because people just assume. And likelihood is your friend is also around the same age? They might not have the life experience to understand. I'm glad you're getting help. Dysthymia can really affect your life but it can get much better with treatment =)

are you going to a therapist? are you trying medications?

Have you tried doing aerobic exercise (even just jogging around the block) for a total of 20 minutes at a time, 2-3x a week? For some people this can improve your mood by quite a bit if you do it regularly. It's free, and easy to do and can even be fun. You could do this by playing basketball with friends, or whatever as long as you get your heart rate/breathing rate up =)

People who who have not experienced a form of depression rarely understand what it really is.

From my personal experience, what Rohag wrote is so very true - no matter what your age is.

As a teenager you might discover it is better to avoid discussing your depression at great length with your friends. Instead, continue to enjoy the time you spend with them - even if you are only pretending to be happy sometimes. I believe that there are times when pretending happiness can actually help us start feeling happy. Those times - even if sporadic - are good for us!

Continue to be friends with your friends, be thankful that your parents are working with you to get help and counseling. As ShakyDreams mentioned - you are very lucky to be getting help now. Depression was a shameful topic when I was a teen. I didn't get help until I was in my late-30's and will always feel as though I missed out on many years of life that could have been so much better.

I hope you keep posting and let us know how things are going for you. We care.

Thanks for this. When I was diagnosed with dythymia, I was just so relieved that I wouldn't have to live with the way I'd been feeling for the rest of my life! Your experiance reminded me of that.

I've faked happiness pretty well with most of my friends and family (when I couldn't fake it, I said I was just 'tired'), and even my doctor told me once that it was just called "being a teenager". But I think I'm going to try again, now. Thanks again.

Hi - i think you have courage to face the truth for yourself, even if your friends don't quite understand. I think it's difficult, really, for people who don't have depression to know what it is like. It is a problem people with depression feel in general - so perhaps forgive your friend for not knowing. Only those who have had it & have gone through can understand. Sometimes even well meaning friends try to understand but still can't if they've never been through it. I've probably even been guilty of it myself I'm sure.

I'm now closer to 40 and I'm just realising for myself that I've probably suffered from dysthymia all my life too but just put it down to who I am. I cope very well in my outside life normally but have always had this underlying sense of sadness & hopelessness that I keep at bay by keeping busy. I am relieved to know this about myself & to ackonwledge this.. because only when you are looking at the truth of what is, can you work with what you have & do something about it if you want & enetertain the possibility of a different way of being.

Stay strong & stay connected.