Seeing The Light Again With Therapy
Image: Salvatore Vuonot
Chronic depression, also known as dysthymia is a condition continuing for a long period of time, ranging anywhere from one to two years or longer. . People suffering from this may function normally in their routine life but constantly feel unhappy and dissatisfied. Experts are not sure about the factors responsible for chronic depression. It is thought to be linked with some changes in the brain involving serotonin, a neurotransmitter or chemical that helps the brain to cope with emotions. Chronic illness, major life stresses, work or relationship problems, and even medication can also sometimes lead to chronic depression.
Threats
Chronic depression is an illness that is most likely to develop early in a person’s life, but most people delay seeking treatment for a considerable period of time. . In fact, many times they don’t even realize that they are suffering from chronic depression. People with chronic depression may become alcoholics or start using drugs in order to try to relieve their despondency as well as other unpleasant symptoms. There are also chances that a person suffering from chronic depression may experience major depression at the same time. He may swing into a major depressive state and then back to a milder state of dysthymia. This state is known as double depression. So it is very important to get the chronic depression treated as early as possible to avoid this.
Symptoms
Chronic depression can cause changes in thinking, behaviors, feelings, and physical well-being. Its symptoms are the same as those of major depression but are not as intense. These symptoms include loss of energy, insomnia, guilt, empty feeling, sluggishness, helplessness and persistent pain and body aches.
Treatment Options
Chronic depression is a serious illness but it can be treated. The most common treatment for this is psychotherapy. However, in some cases, antidepressant medications are also recommended due to the chronic nature of the depression. Psychotherapy is used in different ways to treat the illness. Supportive counseling sessions can help to ease the pain of the individual, and can address the issue of hopelessness. Cognitive therapy can change the unrealistic expectations, pessimistic ideas, and overly critical self-evaluations. Cognitive therapy helps the individual to recognize which problems are critical and which are minor. It also educates a person on how to accept the problems of life that cannot be changed. Interpersonal therapy can assist in solving relationship conflicts and behavioral therapy can help the individual develop better coping skills.
Call Olga Wingood, licensed MFT, at (949)231-8778 if you or anyone in your family is suffering from chronic depression. Through intensive Orange County therapy sessions, you can get over this problem and develop a positive attitude towards life to help you cope with its various challenges.
Providing Counseling Services in Orange County: Irvine, Tustin, Orange, Huntington Beach, Fountain Valley, Laguna, Santa Ana, Laguna Niguel, Lake Forest, Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, Corona Del Mar, Aliso Viejo, Mission Viejo, San Juan Capistrano, Rancho Santa Margarita, Ladero Ranch, Dana Point and San Clemente, California