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Mental Health Care for Persistent Depressive Disorder

Coping with this condition can be challenging, especially due to its persistent nature. PDD is a common disorder and can affect individuals of any age. Often, the most effective treatment includes a combination of medications, such as antidepressant medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, professional counselling, therapy, and lifestyle changes.

PDD is not something that you can outgrow. You can neither will it away nor hope to simply “get over it.” Being one of the most volatile and frustrating mental health disorders, it is essential to seek immediate help from a professional who can guide you and treat you with the appropriate treatment. Many mental health professionals utilize CBT or cognitive behavioural therapy to identify and observe negative thought patterns that could emit persistent feelings of sadness, despair, and low self-worth. Cognitive therapy helps patients acknowledge their feelings and assists them in shifting their focus to more positive thoughts. This type of therapy leads to a healthier environment for the individual. Another treatment plan includes IPT, or Interpersonal Therapy, which focuses primarily on identifying the problems in a patient's relationship with others.

If you believe you are a victim of this disorder, you should consult a mental health counsellor for the apt treatment and the steps to be followed for a better life. This will make you more efficient and will improve the quality of your life immensely.

Major Causes

While there is no one cause for PDD, experts believe biological, environmental, and psychological factors can contribute to this disorder. Genetic factors also may affect patients, as an individual may have a family history of depression. Professionals also believe that chemical imbalances in the brain or irregular functioning of nerve pathways can lead to depression.

External or internal stress, illness, prolonged medication, and anxiety are also considered to be major triggers for Dysthymia. You may develop this disorder due to a past traumatic event or financial or relationship problems. Any significant or major life alterations can also cause the onset of PDD.

Common Signs

Multiple signs characterize a persistent depressive disorder. These signs may last for two years or longer, based on the severity level of the condition. You may also suffer from bouts of major depression, which can lead to double depression.

Although the symptoms of PDD are milder, this disorder lasts for extended periods. This can immensely affect your physical and mental health. Some of the symptoms may include:

• A long-lasting feeling of sadness. Feelings of emptiness may occur as well.
• Insomnia or excessive sleeping at all times.
• Lack of concentration, less ability to perform routine tasks.
• Intense feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness.
• Having a poor appetite or overeating, no concept of moderation.
• Experiencing constant fatigue and low energy.
• Difficulty making decisions.
• Constant irritability, irrational feelings of anger.
• Lack of physical activity and movement.
• Avoiding friends or staying away from social circles in general.
• Extreme feelings of guilt, overthinking about future or past scenarios.

These are some common symptoms you might face while suffering from a persistent depressive disorder.

Risk Factors

This ailment can appear at any age, whether early childhood, teenage years, or adulthood. It is chronic and can persist through multiple stages of your life. A few specific factors may increase an individual's risk of developing or triggering PDD.

• Genetics: You might risk developing this condition if you have a family member with a history of depression or PDD.
• Trauma: If you have ever experienced a traumatic event, such as losing a loved one, you might be at risk of developing the condition.
• Stress: External or internal stressful events can trigger an episode of major depression.
• Negative Traits: If you harbour low self-esteem, self-criticism, or pessimistic behaviour, you might fall into severe depression.
• Substance Abuse: This may alter your thinking and put you at a greater risk of developing PDD.
• Other Mental Health Conditions: PDD may be triggered by other disorders such as anxiety, personality, or bipolar disorder.

Dysthymia vs Depression: The Difference

Dysthymia and depression both lead to immense feelings of sadness and hopelessness. While the former is considered to be less severe and prolonged, depression is characterized by harsher symptoms. The major difference between the two occurs in severity and consistency.

In medical terms, Dysthymia is referred to as PDD, while depression is termed MDD or Major Depressive Disorder. For a person to be diagnosed with MDD, the symptoms must last for a minimum of 2 weeks. A PDD diagnosis requires the conditions present for at least two years.

While the symptoms of a persistent depressive disorder last longer, they are usually not severe enough to be classified as a major depressive disorder. Nonetheless, you may still experience major depressive episodes while diagnosed with PDD. Contrary to that, a person suffering from MDD may enjoy or return to their regular moods between major depressive episodes. They may not face any depressive or sad feelings at this time.

Although there are multiple symptoms common to both, it is important to recognize the ailment for a complete and correct diagnosis of PDD.

How to Deal With Your Symptoms

If you suffer from this disorder, you may have a dire need to deal with the recurring symptoms. PDD can exhaust your resources and drain you of all the energy required to live a steady life. You may begin to lose all hope, and feelings of worthlessness might set in. It is integral to acknowledge the symptoms and deal with them before things get complicated. To avoid the negativity that seeps in during depressive episodes, follow a few of the steps given below.

• Try to maintain relationships with your loved ones when things feel sad or out of place. This will help you break free from isolation and sorrow and give your thoughts a much-needed break.
• Engage in physical activities. This will boost your endorphins, the brain's feel-good neurotransmitters. This will also promote a healthier and happier lifestyle.
• Eat healthy food at regular intervals.
• Reduce or avoid alcohol or drug intake as it may increase PDD manifold.
• Always remember that you can't simply snap out of your condition and acknowledge that you might need help from a professional.
• Be patient and focus on small wins. Celebrate small achievements like getting out of bed, walking, or simply having a great shower.
• Journal your thoughts and feelings to recognize the patterns that occur during your depressive episodes.
• Practice meditation and deep breathing for self-awareness and stress relief.

While performing these tasks can be challenging for a person suffering from PDD, it is important to remember that you don't need to do it all at once. Small, baby steps can be taken to improve your lifestyle and health. These small changes can effectively enhance your mood as well as your mindset.

Get Treatment From a Licensed Therapist Who’s Right For You

If you are a victim of this ailment, getting treatment from a licensed therapist can work wonders for your life. These symptoms aren't something to hide from. With professional assistance, you might be able to identify your triggers and eradicate them to make positive changes in your life.

Therapists can assist you in multiple ways. From talk therapy to empowerment, a therapist will guide you and be there for you as you replace the negativity in your life with positive affirmations and healthier habits.

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