How to Prevent Dysthymia

Dysthymia is a form of depression. Though considered mild, it can be chronic, lasting two years or more. Although most people feel sad every now and then, people with dysthymia experience a feeling of general sadness most of the time. This can begin in childhood or adulthood. People with dysthymia experience feelings of sadness, hopelessness, lack of energy, low self-esteem, avoidance of social activities, and problems with sleeping and eating.

Instructions

• 1

  Get a diagnosed early on if you suspect you have dysthymia. Because dysthymia may last for many years, you need to understand the symptoms and get help quickly. It may help to prevent a prolonged battle with depression.

• 2

  Take control of your stress by joining activities to increase your resilience and self-esteem. Activities such as exercise; healthy eating, work and participating in activities that you enjoy have positive effects on self-esteem and therefore fight depressive feelings.

• 3

  Create strong friendships and social supports. Social interactions can go a long way towards helping to ward off feelings of isolation and hopelessness that accompany depression and dysthymia. Social connection is both a good preventative measure, as well as a positive way to fight depressive feelings (References 3).

• 4

  Seek treatment. If you cannot prevent intense, prolonged feelings of depression, you should contact a mental health professional. Pharmacological forms of treatment, such as antidepressants and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors can help people with dysthymia, although they can also have some serious side effects that you should discuss with your doctor prior to use. Therapy can also help, as well as allowing you to learn how relationships and behavior affect your mood.