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A man is staring outside of his window and experiencing the symptoms of dysthymic disorder.

What You Need to Know About Dysthymic Disorder

At any given moment, there are millions of people from all ages and walks of life struggling with some form of depression. Symptoms of depression can range from mild to severe and impact everyone differently. Living with depression can feel like a roller coaster ride, as symptoms may come and go and vary in severity. The good news is that depression is highly treatable.  

At Hill Country, we understand the challenges of living with depression. We also know that when depression goes untreated, it can impact all areas of daily life and have devastating impacts on overall well-being. Our scenic 30-acre campus provides the perfect backdrop for mental health treatment near San Antonio, TX. If you or a loved one struggles with depression, we can help. Contact us online or call 1.844.675.1628 to learn about our depression treatment programs.  

What Is Dysthymic Disorder? 

Dysthymic disorder, now identified as persistent depressive disorder (PDD) by the DSM-5, is a form of chronic depression with long-term, low-grade symptoms. To be diagnosed with PDD, a person must experience a depressed mood most of the day, on most days, for at least two years (adults) or one year (children and adolescents). They must also exhibit two or more of the following symptoms: 

  • Fatigue or low-energy 
  • Low self-esteem 
  • Feelings of hopelessness or helplessness 
  • Difficulty concentrating or making decisions 
  • A poor appetite or overeating 
  • Insomnia or hypersomnia (sleeping too much) 

The symptoms of PDD can mimic those of other medical conditions or substance use disorders (SUD), so an accurate diagnosis is essential for proper treatment. A particular concern regarding PDD is that because symptoms are long-term and generally not severe, many people do not realize they have depression but falsely believe that how they feel is part of their personality. Therefore, they do not seek treatment. It is common for people with PDD to have co-occurring SUD because of reliance on drugs or alcohol to cope with symptoms.  

Living with Long-Term Depression 

Like other mental health conditions, there is not a cure for long-term depression. However, a depression treatment program at Hill Country can help you uncover the root causes of your depression and teach you the coping skills to effectively manage your symptoms so they don’t control your life.  

Additionally, depression treatment provides the support and guidance needed to foster interpersonal and lifestyle changes that make living with long-term depression more manageable. These changes include: 

  • Establishing a daily routine that consists of a regular schedule for eating, sleeping, and activities to help reduce feelings of chaos  
  • Breaking large tasks into smaller, more achievable ones to reduce feeling overwhelmed 
  • Practicing self-compassion instead of self-criticism 
  • Incorporating regular physical activity into your daily schedule 
  • Prioritizing basic needs like staying hydrated, eating healthily, and getting enough rest 
  • Using mindfulness to monitor thinking patterns 
  • Recognizing and celebrating accomplishments, no matter how small 

Patience is critical for effective depression treatment. It takes time to change habits, behaviors, and thinking patterns and learn how to integrate newly acquired coping mechanisms into daily life. Managing long-term depression requires ongoing treatment and regular check-ins with care providers.  

The Benefits of Depression Treatment 

Most people have difficulty asking for help when they need it. Depression remains highly misunderstood and still carries a stigma, which can be a barrier to treatment. If you are struggling with the decision to seek treatment, consider the following potential benefits: 

  • Peer support and the ability to connect with others who understand your thoughts and feelings 
  • Improved self-awareness and insight  
  • Increased self-esteem and confidence 
  • Learning to regulate your emotions 
  • Enhanced communication and interpersonal skills 
  • Improved problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills 
  • Greater trust in others, contributing to healthier relationships 
  • Development of healthy coping mechanisms 
  • Better physical health 

Without treatment, depression symptoms are likely to worsen over time. There is also an increased risk of developing co-occurring SUD and suicidal ideation. Treatment can empower you to reclaim control and live a happier, more fulfilling life.  

Call Hill Country for Mental Health Treatment in San Antonio 

At Hill Country, we go beyond simply treating depression symptoms to help clients uncover the root causes of depression and work through them to heal fully. Depression is manageable and does not have to control your life. Are you ready to get the help you deserve? Fill out our online form or call 1.844.675.1628 for more information about mental health treatment today.

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