So I've recently come to terms with the fact that I probably suffer from some form of depression. And from symptoms I've read, I identify best with Dysthymia.. I enjoy hanging out with my friends, but I honestly don't feel "happy" often. I'm indifferent about a lot of things. Even things that I know I should be excited about. I don't wake up in the morning looking forward to the day. EVER. I honestly can't remember the last time I was happy for a whole day. I often have thoughts about what people would do if I just disappeared one day, not suicide, though. I go through cycles of starving myself and binge eating. Although, I don't think that's a problem because I'm not doing it for any desired effect. I'm just either eating a lot because I'm hungry or emotional, or not eating because I have no appetite or desire to consume food. I can often be extremely irritable. I cannot for the LIFE OF ME do schoolwork. The webiste I was looking at had a list of symptoms. They included: Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness [check mark] Loss of interest in dailly activities Appetite or weight changes [check mark] Sleep changes[check mark, kinda] Psychomotor agitation or retardation [check mark, it happens] Loss of energy[check mark. I think it's in combination with the fact that I don't get a lot of sleep and I'm still growing] self-loathing [check mark. not often, though] concentration problems[check mark][check mark][check mark][check mark]. So? What now? My mom's recognized my depression. Though I don't think she's aware of how much it affects me. She's calling my pediatrician tomorrow to get an appointment and a referral for a specialist. Options? Medication or alternative route. I've already seen a therapist, and I honestly wasn't a fan. I'm also not too keen on the idea of taking a pill daily to regulate my mood. What to expect?
The lucky thing is that you are 17 years old, and you are diagnosed now.I have dysthimia too, and do not like meds.For dysthimia treatment and for you to get better is cognitive therapy.You have to work with your therapist to find ways to for you to think better about yourself and the world around you.This of course,takes a lot of work on your part.It is not easy.I hope that things will get better for you.
Well, I haven't necessarily been diagnosed. Sure, I diagnosed myself, but I'm no doctor. I just figure I could be affected by Dysthymia because I exhibit a majority of the known symptoms. And to be blunt, I'm still quite uneducated. For example - Is it cause by a chemical imbalance? I mean, I can't necessarily point to one or more aspects of my life and say "Yep, that's what's got me feelin blue". I'm just trying to figure this whole thing out.
I don't put much faith into what they tell you online. I thought I had a rare form of autism called asbergers disorder for like a year. It turns out I was just an alcoholic/addict. Got into recovery and all that stuff went away as I worked the steps. Life is really cool now.
Just keep an open mind - for crying out loud. Before you've even gone you're being negative towards therapy and drugs. Odds are both will be involved, so you're already shooting yourself in the foot. The irony is that a depressed person is going to do that. So it will take 'superhuman' strength to overcome your natural tendency to put a negative spin on this and to make the best of it. Because your alternative is to just carry on as you are now - and I don't recommend that. Because things really do get better. I'm glad you've shared this with your mom. She's probably really worried about you. Take her up on all the help you can get. When you see the therapist, spill your guts. Tell them the stuff that you LEAST want to tell them. That's probably the stuff that's bothering you. Keep us posted. Good luck!
That's the thing, my psychology teacher just said that today. Don't try to diagnose yourself. If you're exhibiting symptoms then have your mom let you go see a psychiatrist so the can affirm it.
I was thinking things over last night. And I'd come to the conclusion that I'm not quite against pills. I take pills for my acne... So why not take pills that will allow me to enjoy life. I honestly can say I don't remember a time when I was happy. And I just dislike therapy. Or at least the counceling I went to was like pulling teeth.
