[debbie_tabor]

I beleive I suffer from dysthymic disorder with episodes of major depression. I don't remember ever being happy, and I feel like I've struggled my way through life so far. Many aspects of my life have improved through therapy but I still feel low and want to isolate myself.

Twenty years ago when I first looked dysthymic disorder was a diagnosis without a treatment, but I've been researching again recently, and it seems that antidepressants at higher doses and for longer periods than 'normal' depression can help.

I feel like my brain doesn't know how to be any other way! Has anyone had any experiences with overcoming dysthymic disorder?

[Soidhonia]

Hello and welcome to Psych Central. I sincerely hope that you will consult a Psychiatrist regarding your concerns about your issues that you have been having. Self Diagnosis can lead to many things happening that can be prevented by seeing a professional therapist and Psych Dr. There are many therapies available from a professional that can help you to understand what you are going through and help to alleviate some of the symptomes you may be having at this time that has led you to the diagnosis that you have chosen for yourseelf. I hope the best for you in the future. Take care. soidhonia

[stefano]

Definitely, treatment DOES exist. Not easy, but give them a chance (and give it to yourself, most important).

[debbie_tabor]

Thanks for your reponses. I saw a psychiatrist for the first time a couple of years ago but have never actually asked for my diagnosis!

[greymatter]

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.

Hey. Yeah, I'm fairly sure I was dx'd with dysthymia at some point or other...

I remember a time where I couldn't remember a time that I'd ever felt happy to be alive, vital, energetic, or anything like that.

The drugs helped me 'numb out' for a while... Kinda helped mask the symptoms, I guessed. Didn't make me feel happier just didn't make me care so much about feeling so bad.

What helped me most... Was seeing a caring, sympathetic, and emotionally attuned therapist. Being able to generalise from that a little so that I could get involved more in having positive experiences with people outside therapy. When it is a whole way of being change takes time. It can be a wonderful, wonderful progression, though. Moments of hope and happiness... And over time the horrible despair receeds so that episodes become further apart and not as intense when they strike.

In the meantime... Hang in there. Hope you have some positive interactions here at psychcentral :-)

[debbie_tabor]

Thanks guys