Risk Factors of Dysthymia – Chronic Depression
Dysthymia is a type depression which is said to be mild but chronic. The symptoms for this normally last for about two years or sometimes longer than that. It may be less intense but can cause serious damage in your life because of its extended period of occurrence. People with dysthymia may lose their interest in doing normal daily activities, have low self-esteem, feel hopeless and lack productivity. They are often thought of being critical, always making complains on things and are mostly incapable of having fun. Other symptoms also include poor appetite, sleeping problems, trouble in concentrating and making decisions.
Study shows that depressive illness of dysthymia is usually experience by one out of four adults at the age of 21. Both adults and children have their own different key factors that increase the risk for them to suffer with the disorder. Adults are more likely to be affected with the condition when surviving the tragic death of a loved one, getting involved in a serious accident, being a witness or a victim of man-made disaster like plane crash, war or being caught up in a natural calamity. It’s only a single traumatic event which is directly experienced or witnessed by an adult would enhance the symptom of dysthymia.
Chronic stress that involves stressful situations that takes longer time such as abuse in marriage problems or working problems. Sometimes, a person could suffer chronic stress for having to care for an elderly relative, unemployment, and severe financial problems. With children, it is the boys that are most affected with the depressive illness while during adulthood women are frequently affected with the condition which are three times more than men.
Greater increased risk is said to be associated with female hormones, excessive concerns about body figures including dieting. A well recognizable link is also associated with the history of abusing substances such as alcohol, recreational drugs, tranquillizers and prescribed medications. Family history together with poverty and limited access to any social help can also contribute to the risk factors of dysthymia.
Feeling sad for a particular reason, is typically normal for an individual. But in cases with person who has dysthymia, this kind of feelings will last for years and may affect mostly your relationship, work and as well as your daily activities. If you notice any symptoms of dysthymia, it is better to seek medical treatment from professional who knows well on how to settle the problem effectively. If treatment for this condition is ignored, this commonly leads to a major depression which would be a more complicated situation. If you have a family doctor, open up with him the symptoms that you have notice with you. Or you may ask help directly from a mental health provider you know. But if you are hesitant of going to a mental doctor, try reaching out for someone you may be able to ask help to guide you with your treatment. Whether it‘s a loved one, friend, teacher, a faith leader or the person you trusted most it is better to tell someone about it.