Essay On Dysthymic Depression

Dysthymic depression also known as persistent and dysthymia depression is a consistent long-term depression that seems to have no end. In adults the symptoms must last between two and three years, but in children the symptoms must only occur for a year to be treated. Dysthymic depression is most common in women rather that men. It can affect up to 4% of the American population, but only 1% will get the help that they need. This type of depression mostly begins around the age of 21 and older but can occur in younger ages as well.
There are many symptoms to dysthymic depression such as overeating, lack of appetite, difficulty sleeping or no sleeping, lack of energy, low self-esteem, and feeling hopeless. Preexisting medical condition or the
use of substances cannot be a cause for this type of depression. It is suggested that you do not use drugs or alcohol when dealing with dysthymic depression because it can make the problems worse. Most people who suffer from this type of depression do not enjoy social activities or even being in groups of people. It can make the time with you family be dreadful or make it where you are upset the whole time with them.
Causes of dysthymic depression can be chemical imbalances of the brain that messes with the neurotransmitters that causes the imbalance. Another cause would be inherited traits, which could be passed through blood relatives who also have dysthymic depression. Life events can cause depression by having to pay bills, making sure that your family has everything they need, financial burdens, and stressing about how to make sure life is going how it should be.
Ways to fix the imbalances would be with certain medications such as Selective Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), along with Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).
Friends and Family are another way to help with depression because they are there to help through the rough times and are there for support. People who have dysthymic depression must often find ways to control stress and find the self- esteem deep down. Therapy is also a wonderful way for them to get help and be able to get away from the depression if family and friends are not there. Having a healthy lifestyle by watching your food intake and a good amount of exercise would also be an effective way to keep the depression under control.
Dysthymic depression can affect the everyday life in how you live by the way it makes you feel. But many people live day to day with this disease and are still able to live life, but they may have a difficult day or even a stressful night. They must keep their lives under control, take the medication as recommended, and don’t be afraid to ask their family or even friends for help and support when needed. With the disease being a long-term disease, many people will live with it for the rest of their lives, but the therapy, family, friends, and medication can make it to where their life’s can run
smoothly.