Chronic Depression (Dysthymia), Major Depression

I THINK THIS MIGHT BE ME. THE ITALICIZED PORTIONS APPLY TO ME NOW. SCARY? A BIT... BUT IT MIGHT EXPLAIN WHY SOME THINGS HAVE BEEN THE WAY THEY ARE.

What Is Dysthymia?
Dysthymia, sometimes referred to as chronic depression, is a less severe form of depression but the depression symptoms linger for a long period of time, perhaps years. Those who suffer from dysthymia are usually able to function adequately, but seem consistently unhappy.
It is common for a person with dysthymia to also experience major depression at the same time - swinging into a major depressive episode and then back to a more mild state of dysthymia. This is called double depression.

Symptoms of Dysthymia Are the Same as Those of Major Depression and Include:
Difficulty sleeping
Loss of interest or the ability to enjoy oneself
Excessive feelings of guilt or worthlessness
Loss of energy or fatigue
Difficulty concentrating, thinking or making decisions
Changes in appetite
Observable mental and physical sluggishness
Thoughts of death or suicide

Who Experiences Dysthymia?
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 10.9 million Americans aged 18 and older are affected by dysthymia.

Depression: Major Depression
An individual with major depression feels a profound and constant sense of hopelessness and despair.
Major depression is manifested by a combination of symptoms that interfere with the ability to work, study, sleep, eat and enjoy once pleasurable activities. Such a disabling episode of depression may occur only once but more commonly occurs several times in a lifetime.

Who Experiences Major Depression?
In the U.S., approximately 10% of people suffer from major depression at any one time and 20%-25% suffer an episode of major depression at some point during their lifetimes. Most people associate depression with adults, but it also occurs in children and the elderly -- two populations in which it often goes undiagnosed and untreated.

Approximately twice as many women as men suffer from major depression. This is partially because of hormonal changes throughout a woman's life: During menstruation, pregnancy, miscarriage and menopause. Other contributing factors include increased responsibilities in both professional and home lives -- balancing work while taking care of a household, raising a child alone, or even caring for an aging parent. However, depression in men may also be underreported.

Men who suffer from major depression are less likely to seek help or even talk about their experience. Signs of depression in men are more often irritability, anger, or drug and alcohol abuse. Repressing their feelings can result in violent behavior directed both inwardly and outwardly, and an increase in illness, suicide and homicide.

What Factors Can Trigger Depression?
Grief (loss of a loved one through death, divorce, or separation).
Interpersonal disputes (conflict with a significant other or a superior; physical, sexual, or emotional abuse).
Role transitions (moving, graduation, job change, retirement).
Interpersonal deficits (leading to social isolation or feelings of being deprived).
Not everyone has a trigger for a depressive episode.

How Is Major Depression Diagnosed?
If you are depressed and have had symptoms for more than two weeks, see your doctor or a psychiatrist.

SOURCE: http://www.webmd.com