Dysthymia

@elwoodsdad- I don't know what kind of depression I have or have had but I was younger than a teenager when I was not a happy camper. I'm sorry but I have forgotten what medicines you might be taking for depression. Those do help. Staying busy, pushing yourself to do things helps.

Hi, @elwooodsdad - thanks for starting a new discussion on dysthymia.

Here are a couple of Mayo Clinic articles on depression that may be of help to you:

- On persistent depressive disorder, also called dysthymia https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/persistent-depressive-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20350929

- On treatment-resistant depression https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/in-depth/treatment-resistant-depression/art-20044324

I'd like to bring in some additional Connect members who may have personal experience with this or otherwise be knowledgeable about dysthymia, like @tracylockhart @sharlynn62 @jimhd @callalily74 @dohomework @dianakinoy @gailb and @johnbishop. While we await their input on how they handle it (for those with this diagnosis) and any tips, suggestions or insights, I'm wondering if you might have some thoughts to share on any suggestions you would have for others on handling dysthymia day to day, @elwooodsdad?

Hi @elwooodsdad,

I found an article from 2002 that may offer some more insight and information on dysthymia.

Short-term cognitive therapy shows promise for dysthymia - Current Psychiatry. 2002 May;1(5):43-49
-- https://www.mdedge.com/psychiatry/article/66126/depression/short-term-cognitive-therapy-shows-promise-dysthymia

Does it help to try and think about other things you like to do when you get depressed? I just think about the times when I get in a bad mood and what helps me get out of that and it's usually focusing on something I like or that makes me think differently.

I’m having more medication issues than depressive issues. I can usually function with the dysthymia, but changing meds is not fun. I have had talk therapy, and it has been as good or as bad as the therapist. All I want to do is go to sleep, get up, and get on with my day, and deal with the dysthymia as best I can.

Is the thing with dysthymia that medications are not helpful??

For me, medication does help, but depression is always there, just to a lesser extent. Over time, drugs need to be changed due to resistance I suppose. My current issue is the process of changing medication, and negative reactions. Insomnia is terrible.