About Dysthymic Depression: Dysthymic Depression

Learn about dysthymic depression and what it means to suffer from the condition. Depression not only affects the person who is going through it, but also everyone around them, including friends, family, loved ones, spouses, and children.

The psychological impact

Dysthymia is a type of mood disorder that falls under the umbrella of depression. Although it is considered to be a chronic form of depression' it is not regarded as being as severe as a major depressive disorder. Long lasting in nature' Dysthymia is a type of low grade depression. Dysthymia can have a significant impact on one’s personal wellbeing. It could adversely affect not only one’s physical state' but also create psychological issues for the patient concerned. It has the capacity to paralyze one’s self esteem and drag the person concerned through what could be best described as an emotional rut.

Dysthymic affects one’s psychological wellbeing in a number of ways. For instance' it could leave the person with a persistent sad or empty feeling. Such emotions triggered by a traumatic episode in one’s life are further exaggerated as a result of this condition. It could also cause insomnia (or even too much sleep) which could leave a person very lackadaisical and lackluster which tends to create negative vibes in him or her. Dysthymia can also leave a person feeling helpless' hopeless' and worthless. These destructive emotions affect the person concerned psychologically thus zapping him or her of almost every ounce of self worth. Feelings of guilt are also very common amongst those suffering from this condition. Such feelings' be it correctly or erroneously fathomed could be very destructive and counter productive to the individual. One might also experience a loss of interest or the ability to enjoy oneself. Mental and physical stimulation is of utmost importance for one to overcome this condition. If the patient does not understand this and does not take proactive steps to engage in social activity with friends and family he/she will eventually find it very hard to get rid of this disorder.

The loss of energy and fatigue is also very common among individuals who suffer from this condition. Physical wellbeing is extremely important to maintain a positive outlook towards life and the inability or the lack of interest to stay fit could be detrimental to one’s psychological wellbeing. Furthermore' those who suffer from this disorder also experience difficulty in concentrating' thinking' or making decisions. Such issues could cause individuals to feel less worth as employees of a company and this negative outlook towards one’s career could be detrimental to one’s job security causing anxiety and further depression.

Finally and probably most importantly' Dysthymia could lead to thoughts of suicide. Such thoughts are only entertained in one’s mind when the individual no longer sees any self worth left in one’s existence. This is probably the pinnacle of the negative psychological impact that one could have as a result of being diagnosed with Dysthymia.

Once the symptoms of this condition are identified' it is important to seek immediate medical attention. The proper diagnosis and treatment of this disorder could indeed be the difference between life and death.