How to Treat Dysthymia

Dystyhmia can be a serious and debilitating disorder for some that leads to chronic depression, or it can simply be indicative of a life lived without happiness or joy. Some individuals suffer from the disorder unknowingly, unaware there is treatment for chronic sadness. Follow these few steps to help treat dysthymia.

Instructions

• 1

  Determine whether the symptoms are indicative of dysthymia. Know that the symptoms include: poor school/work performance, social withdrawal, shyness, irritable hostility, conflicts with family and friends and sleep irregularities.

• 2

  Make an appointment to visit a psychiatric health professional to help determine an adequate course of action to treat the disorder and if medication is needed. Contact your primary care physician to rule out any medical conditions that may contribute to the sadness or dysthymic feelings.

• 3

  Rule out the possibility of a major depressive disorder, mixed episode, or other depressive episode. Ask your mental health care worker whether or not your symptoms are synonymous with dysthymia which state you must have the feelings for a specific length of time.

• 4

  Begin psychotherapy as a first alternative. With many chronic mental disorders, psychotherapy is the preferred choice for many clients and clinicians. Be honest with your counselor if you are not comfortable or happy with your recovery course.

• 5

  Carefully weigh the options for medication as the disorder can sometimes be exacerbated by medications. Typically they are not prescribed unless a major depressive episode has been present at some point. Self help, hypnotherapy, art therapy and mindfulness therapy are all effective methods of treatment as well.

• 6

  Eat well balanced nutritional meals and stay away from too much alcohol consumption as these factors can contribute to dysthymia. Exercise regularly and try to get a considerable amount of sunshine as this tends to be good for people with chronic sadness.