I have been diagnosed with dysthymia, and have dealt with it for most of my adult life. I have had the benefit of therapy and medication, both of which have made the condition tolerable and manageable. I also have some issues with anxiety, which may or may not be attributed to the dysthymia. My major takeaway from therapy is to understand that you will have down days, some of them major, and you just need to go with it. It is always there, and sometimes in a significant way, but the dark times don’t last. I have had some major depressive episodes thrown in, and having been taught how to cope, and being appropriately medicated has been a great help.
@elwoodsdad Thank you for letting us know how you are doing. Each person has their own journey, and sometimes it is rocky with other intruding issues. I also have had episodes of depression in my life, but never a formal diagnosis of dysthymia, although I strongly suspect it is there. Do you find a distraction like exercise or hobbies help you when the down days show up? It seems to work for me, usually. How are the holidays this time of year treating you?
Ginger
Ginger, I have usually soldiered on as well as possible during the difficult days, usually in my own company. I have an understanding wife, and two equally understanding Miniature Schnauzers who are pleased to be either as close or as far away as needed. The holidays are ok, not especially great. I am a 72 year old only child with no children, but we have two great nieces and two great nephews, young enough to glory in the wretched excess of commercial Christmas. I am an Elder in the Presbyterian church, and am working with a congregation of another church which is having some issues. That keeps me grounded, sometimes agitated, and sometimes fulfilled. A difficult calling, but I feel I am making a positive impact on the congregation and pastor. I am not a pastor, but have dealt in dispute resolution for the bulk of my professional life. Church is spiritual, but it is also a business, so my demeanor and vocabulary is decidedly sectarian, and more effective than the pastoral model.
Ginger, I have usually soldiered on as well as possible during the difficult days, usually in my own company. I have an understanding wife, and two equally understanding Miniature Schnauzers who are pleased to be either as close or as far away as needed. The holidays are ok, not especially great. I am a 72 year old only child with no children, but we have two great nieces and two great nephews, young enough to glory in the wretched excess of commercial Christmas. I am an Elder in the Presbyterian church, and am working with a congregation of another church which is having some issues. That keeps me grounded, sometimes agitated, and sometimes fulfilled. A difficult calling, but I feel I am making a positive impact on the congregation and pastor. I am not a pastor, but have dealt in dispute resolution for the bulk of my professional life. Church is spiritual, but it is also a business, so my demeanor and vocabulary is decidedly sectarian, and more effective than the pastoral model.
@elwoodsdad An understanding family is so important, I think you will agree. Family doesn't always have to be blood relatives, either; I have to keep reminding myself. I have four siblings but am in touch with only one; no children. Being of service to others is a great way to step away from our daily issues. I bet you may find yourself at times, being more compassionate with some people, and at other times just plain frustrated at how some "awfulize" what is really not a problem. The faith community is lucky to have your voice and experience to help guide them!
Ginger
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@elwoodsdad Thank you for letting us know how you are doing. Each person has their own journey, and sometimes it is rocky with other intruding issues. I also have had episodes of depression in my life, but never a formal diagnosis of dysthymia, although I strongly suspect it is there. Do you find a distraction like exercise or hobbies help you when the down days show up? It seems to work for me, usually. How are the holidays this time of year treating you?
Ginger
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1 ReactionGinger, I have usually soldiered on as well as possible during the difficult days, usually in my own company. I have an understanding wife, and two equally understanding Miniature Schnauzers who are pleased to be either as close or as far away as needed. The holidays are ok, not especially great. I am a 72 year old only child with no children, but we have two great nieces and two great nephews, young enough to glory in the wretched excess of commercial Christmas. I am an Elder in the Presbyterian church, and am working with a congregation of another church which is having some issues. That keeps me grounded, sometimes agitated, and sometimes fulfilled. A difficult calling, but I feel I am making a positive impact on the congregation and pastor. I am not a pastor, but have dealt in dispute resolution for the bulk of my professional life. Church is spiritual, but it is also a business, so my demeanor and vocabulary is decidedly sectarian, and more effective than the pastoral model.
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1 Reaction@elwoodsdad An understanding family is so important, I think you will agree. Family doesn't always have to be blood relatives, either; I have to keep reminding myself. I have four siblings but am in touch with only one; no children. Being of service to others is a great way to step away from our daily issues. I bet you may find yourself at times, being more compassionate with some people, and at other times just plain frustrated at how some "awfulize" what is really not a problem. The faith community is lucky to have your voice and experience to help guide them!
Ginger
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