Dysthymia, when sadness dresses in a bad mood

There are moments when the illusion is tinged with pessimism and the bad mood then becomes that uncomfortable companion that covers everything with its bitter taste. Sadness tends to blur our positive emotions to sharpen them in the form of chronic apathy, in a prolonged malaise behind which depression actually hides.

Dysthymic disorder affects almost 5% of the population. Now, its symptoms are sometimes so subtle that we get used to seeing that persistent bad mood or apathy normally because at the end of the day, even if it is uncomfortable, it allows us to continue being functional.

Rarely do we stop to understand what may be behind a bad mood, it is enough for us to avoid those who suffer from it, those who project it without trying to see what is behind that inverted smile and that bitterness that perhaps hides a thousand sadnesses.

Something that we must be very clear about is that not all depressions are the same. Each person presents a particular reality that must be known how to attend to and individualize. However, when we talk about dysthymia, it is always very clear that we are dealing with that profile where discouragement and bitterness trace a very specific type of illness.

We tell you about her.

Dysthymia, a very subtle type of depression

One aspect that we must make clear is that Sadness, by itself, is not synonymous with depression. Not even a bad mood is always a reflection of a bad temper. Depressive disorders are characterized by very delicate nuancesbut dysthymia is a subtype and in turn has its own characteristics that must be taken into account:

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The dysthymic person usually complains about almost anything. They suffer from chronic discomfort, an anhedonia that prevents them from being able to enjoy or find the positive side of life. They present a lack of concentration and sleep problems. They suffer alterations in appetite: days of lack of appetite or moments of high anxiety about eating. They can maintain a work and professional performance, but their performance is usually low. They suffer periods of melancholy, a hidden sadness that is in turn reflected in a weakening of the immune system, which results in a lowering of defenses and illnesses.Unlike the rest of the depressions, the dysthymic person is “functional”, that is, they maintain their responsibilities. and she is autonomous but her interpersonal relationships are affected.

Something common that a person with dysthymia usually experiences is seeing how their environment also becomes “victimizing.” The bad mood of dysthymic people, far from being understood, contaminates the rest, and people choose to distance themselves: walk away. Little by little it leads to a vicious circle that increases his dissatisfaction and her loneliness even more.

When our brain dresses the darkness of a bad mood

As the DSM-V (diagnostic manual of mental disorders) explains to us dysthymic disorder usually lasts for periods of 2 years and also has a genetic component. If left untreated, if you do not receive adequate treatment, it can lead to major depression.

We know that it is not usually easy to become sensitive to a “bad mood”, to that family member whom we have labeled as “toxic” just because they criticize everything that is positive for us. Sometimes, dysthymia lies hidden in the people we are closest to. and maybe even in ourselves.

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The problem with dysthymic disorder is that although its symptoms are mild, they are usually persistent, and a life dominated by apathy, melancholy and continuous frustration loses its quality and brilliance. Now, this darkness that covers our brain can be reversed with the appropriate treatment.

How to deal with dysthymia

It is good to take into account the following clarifications in relation to dysthymia:

When our brain is dominated by a bad mood, what it actually experiences is an alteration of its brain chemistry.: it lacks the “fuel” to experience positive emotions. A moody brain presents dysphoria, that is, irritability, dissatisfaction, anxiety… All of this It is due to an imbalance in a neurotransmitter called dopamine.which can be restored by drugs.Dysthymia should be treated with appropriate medication and psychotherapy. The support of our environment and our will to overcome this disease are also essential.

Something to keep in mind is that, although Dysthymic disorder affects men and women equally, they are the ones who usually seek support and treatment by being aware that this discomfort, this bad mood, alters their personal balance too much.

For this reason, and as with other disorders, it is important to show sensitivity and intuition. Bad mood is not always “a contagious virus.” Sometimes, behind that mask there is someone who suffers and needs support, closeness.