I live in Central Wisconsin. I am married and we have two daughters. In 1997 I earned my degree in psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. In my spare time I study psychology and philosophy.
Gender: Male
Location: Stevens Point, WI
Occupation: Phlebotomy Coordinator (Clinical Laboratory)
Age: 35
Member Since: October 19, 2005
Answers: 118
Last Update: January 24, 2010
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Is it possible for someone to have dysthymia for an extended amount of time, not just 1-2 years? I know if it's serious, it turns into depression, but I don't know if there's a way to get tested for depression, not just checking off the symptoms. I don't know what I am. i have been sad my entire life. I can laugh sometimes at things but i never really feel happy. My life is not as crappy compared to others. Maybe I have a natural chemical imbalance? But how would I know? I can't tell if I lost interest in my favorite activities because I've never really had any hobbies. I dabble in different things for short times, and even if I like it, I give up too easily and never finish what I start. I don't know where or who to go for help and I don't know if I even need it. I am not going to do anything like commit suicide but it is on my mind a lot. I am just very tired.. (link)
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Dysthymia, which is minor depression, by definition lasts for an extended period of time. People often suffer from it for years before being diagnosed, because unlike it's big brother, major depression, dysthymia is constantly, subtly acting in your background, coloring your mood, motivation, perception, self-worth, and so on. In fact, many people are not diagnosed until middle age.
In contradistinction, major depression has a relatively short duration. It is considered acute, and has a definite onset. People will notice the change in you.
My advice is, you have any inkling that there is something going on with you, you should have a doctor assess you.
Way over fifty percent of the world population will have a need, at some point in their life, for the services of a doctor of clinical psychology or psychiatry. Unfortunately, because of the stigma attached to mental illness, many do not seek any treatment. Be smarter than them.
Dr. Chad
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