Chronic Depression

Depression is the condition of being depressed or sad. Now a days adult and teen depression is a very common illness. It last for six to nine months however if depression last longer, it is known as chronic depression. Chronic depression is long lasting and symptoms of depression go away for a short term and return again. This result in loss of interest, impede daily activities and patient look very sad and aloof. Symptoms of chronic depression fluctuates a lot which can convert into a major depression if not treated on time.

A less severe chronic disease is termed as Dysthmia. People suffering with dysthmia are able to perform daily activities but continuously look sad or unhappy. It is a kind of low grade depression.

Signs and Symptoms of Chronic Depression

The symptoms of chronic depression are same as those of major depression. However the symptoms of dysthmia are not that critical. Following are the signs and symptoms of chronic depression:

• Always feeling sad and hopeless
• Low energy and look dull
• Problem in sleeping or insomnia
• Aches or pain in body like cramps, headache, foot pain etc
• Physically weak and fatigue
• Difficulty in thinking or making decisions
• Poor concentration power
• Loss interest and stay aloof
• Difficulty in maintaining relationships
• Restlessness and anxiety
• Feeling worthlessness and alone
• Negative thinking
• Thinking about suicide

These are the signs and symptoms of chronic depression.

Reasons of Chronic Depression:

The reason of chronic depression is not known but there are some facts that contribute to the chronic depression. Following are reasons that contribute in chronic depression (dysthmia):

• Heredity: if any family member suffering or suffered from any type of depression disorder then the other member of the family are more likely to have depression disorder. This fact can contribute in the chronic depression.
• Chemical Imbalance: it refers to the chemical imbalance in brain that has a system of neurotransmitter which produces chemical related to emotions. Imbalance in this chemical contributes in chronic depression.
• Stress: stress of work, relationship or poor environment also a reason of chronic depression and dysthmia.
• Chronic illness: some chronic disease like AIDS, chronic fatigue syndrome, chronic cardiac condition, harmonal disorder or Parkinson's disease.

These are not the only reason but small facts all together can be harmful.

Treatment of Chronic depression

Chronic depression is a critical condition although it can be treated. To treat a patient doctors go for both psychotherapy and medication because psychotherapy help in improvement of behavior, thinking and health and medication improvise the chemical imbalance of the brain. There are a lot of anti-depressants medicines which can help you but you should always concern a doctor for it. You can find some relatively safe depression pills like Zoloft, Lexapro, Paxil, Prozac, and Celexa. There are many mood stabilizers which your doctor can prescribe you.

The combination of psychotherapy and medication is the best way to improvise the condition of the patient. Psychotherapy involves cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps in correction of the faults; improvise the thought process of patient. Patient should practice meditation, exercise, and their appetite should be proper and healthier.

Doctors can suggest you some more therapies according to your condition and depression stage like there are light therapy and electroconvulsant therapy (ECT).

Friends and Family also plays a vital role in upgrading the personality of the patient. A good surrounding and healthy environment is an essential requirement for the treatment of chronic depression. Their support and love upgrade the confidence and also improvise the thinking of the patient. Primary care physician can cure dysthmia.

All these make treatment of chronic depression a success and the patient will improvise much easily and quickly.
Resources for Fighting Depression:

• Self Help for Depression
• End Depression Now
• Conquer Stress, Depression & Anxiety