[and_im_still_here]

Just been diagnosed dysthimic disorder and i would want to know about someone dealing with the same.. I know im not the only one and maybe a friend like me can be a partner in this

[CandleGlow]

Dysthymic disorder - a chronic depressive state, that has lasted a long time. May be less traumatic than a 'major' depression.

[and_im_still_here]

Exactly...

[morelater]

Well, I haven't been "officially" diagnosed but I'm pretty sure I have it. Slightly depressed most of the time, for at least the past 10 years. For a long time I just assumed it was part of my personality, because I was so used to it.

It was interesting to finally see it as a "disorder" and maybe something that I could change. I've had maybe 2-3 major depressive episodes in my life and this does feels quite a bit different because I'm pretty functional.

Tried meds on and off for maybe 9 years. Currently off, and trying to work through things without them. If things don't get better despite my efforts, I might go back on...

[and_im_still_here]

for sure i still think that its part of my personality i guess that since you have it for a long time it just takes part of you... Ive been feeling like this for over 2 years and everytime i get down, i feel things get harder...

[abbiegrrl]

I was dx w/ Dysthymia many years ago. The first time I began taking medication was the first time I realised that there was a sun-shiney, COLORFUL, glorious world out there, and I'd not been getting much more than shadows cast on me. The problem with this dx, imho, is that it's not terribly dramatic, and may not have any "serious" signs, like suicide attempts, for example. Because of this, it's much less likely to be diagnosed in the first place. Having been on antidepressants for a while, now, I know that I don't HAVE to be Eeyore anymore. Not that I'm Tigger, either, but, you know, somewher ein between is very nice. Life is so much easier now.

[skittles#1]

Dysthymia is a chronic type of depression in which a person's moods are regularly low. However, symptoms are not as severe as with major depression.The main symptom of dysthymia is a low, dark, or sad mood on most days for at least 2 years. n addition, two or more of the following symptoms will be present almost all of the time that the person has dysthymia:

Feelings of hopelessness

Too little or too much sleep

Low energy or fatigue

Low self-esteem

Poor appetite or overeating

Poor concentration
People with dysthymia will often take a negative or discouraging view of themselves, their future, other people, and life events. Problems often seem more difficult to solve.

[Gypsyblurose]

I have this myself. I'm here if you would like a buddy to talk to.
Gypsy

[two sons]

I was diagnosed with double depression (dysthimia and major depression) about 4 years ago. When I was really at my worst, I was in an Intensive Outpatient Program and in the program had group therapy. Right away I felt different - out of place. Here were all these people who were severely depressed, and yet they had hope - actually looked forward to things - wanted to get better. That was when I understood what was meant by double depression and hopelessness. Even depressed people can have some hope, but when a person has absolutely no hope at all for another day...... Hard to recover from this and I'm still in that place.

[and_im_still_here]

Two sons- though i feel lost thats all, its scary...

[two sons]

I understand. It is scary. To me....life is scary; death is not (sorry to be so negative).

[and_im_still_here]

Well problem is both are scary for me

[phillygem]

I wonder if I have Dysthymia..I've been depressed since child Hood, and I feel low and tired everyday ...I remember when having money to go shopping for myself would make me feel like I was high...now I don't care about shopping at all. I threw away alit of clothes need more but don't even care..its nit important that I look nice anymore ...wow it feels weird saying that...but its true

[NeffyTeri]

Hi! I was diagnosed with depression, but I really think it's dysthymia, because as someone else has mentioned, I am functional.

I've felt this way as far back as I can remember and then when I started reading about the signs of depression, I went for help.

Have never been suicidal or anything like that. You've got another buddy here!

[James0805]

Originally Posted by and_im_still_here

Just been diagnosed dysthimic disorder and i would want to know about someone dealing with the same.. I know im not the only one and maybe a friend like me can be a partner in this

I've had one doc say I had it. It would make sense since I have been down and feeling a bit helpless my whole life. I have been in more of a depression the last ten years. The meds help me function but I still feel stuck in life at 42. I've been stuck ever since I lost my sense of identity at 25, being an actor.