*Mild Depression: Mild depression may refer to a mild episode of major depression or dysthymia, which is mild but chronic depression.

Dysthymia is mild long-term depression that has lasted at least two years, or one-year in a child or teenager. (There may be short periods of relief). A person with dysthymic disorder may feel sad or blah or irritable. In children, irritability tends to be more common.

Dysthymia

The symptoms of dysthymia are milder than major depression, and a dysthymic person usually has fewer symptoms than someone with major depression. The main symptom, which must be present for a diagnosis, is a low mood (sad or irritable) most of the time. Other symptoms are lack of energy / sluggishness, low self-esteem, sleeping too little or too much, hopelessness, indecisiveness, trouble concentrating.

Some people with dysthymia do not realize they are suffering from a treatable illness. They may have had dysthymia for so long that they may think that gloominess or crankiness, pessimism, low self-esteem, and indecisiveness, is part of their personality. Sometimes a person seeks treatment for an episode of major depression, and discovers they have suffered dysthymia for years.

Others realize they are depressed but may not seek treatment because they don’t think it would do any good (negativity is a symptom). And despite more public awareness, there is still the stigma attached to depression and any kind of mental illness that keeps people from admitting they are depressed.

Diagnosing Dysthymia: To meet the diagnostic criteria for dysthymia, in addition to a depressed mood, a person must have at least two of the symptoms listed below for at least two years (there may be short intervals of relief but not for more than 2 months. A depressed mood or reduced interest and pleasure must be one of the symptoms for a diagnosis of dysthymia. There must be no episodes of major depression for the first two years.

Symptoms of Dysthymia:
Depressed mood (or loss of interest; depressed or irritable mood in those 18 or younger)
Appetite disturbances - overeating or undereating
Sleep disturbances – too little or too much
Fatigue / lack of energy
Poor concentration or difficulty making decisions
Low self esteem
Feelings of hopelessness

Though the symptoms are milder than those of major depression, the symptoms still have a negative impact on work, school, and relationships and cause significant suffering.

Treatment is Important! Though not as serious as major depression, those with dysthymia are less likely to seek treatment and over time the consequences of chronic mild depression can be great. Relationships may suffer. Employment may suffer. Lack of self-esteem may prevent one from living up to his or her full potential. People with dysthymic disorder may be able to function, but not up to full capacity. Even if they can hold a job, people with minor depression usually take more days off work than usual.

Dysthymia is often under-treated because the person is still able to function. But just because someone is capable of holding a job or going to school does not mean they are not suffering. Suffering from dysthymia also increases a person's risk of major depression.

Dysthymia often begins during childhood, adolescence, or early adulthood. Early treatment can prevent years of suffering and reduce the risk of major depression

*Always get a thorough examination by a physician to rule out other conditions, such as low thyroid function, that can cause many of the same symptoms as dysthymia. Even if thyroid function is normal, augmenting an antidepressant medication with thyroid supplement often increases its effectiveness.

Treatment of dysthymia may include psychotherapy or medication: Even though negative thinking is a symptom of mild or major depression, 'correcting' it can speed recovery. Many with dysthymia do not recognize that their negative thinking is actually distorted thinking. Cognitive behavior therapy can be of great help in helping one recognize and change destructive patterns of thought.

Antidepressant medications can also be effective – even if symptoms are fairly mild standard doses of medications that are used to treat major depression are more likely to produce a good response.

Socializing can be very helpful in relieving mild depression. Just by going out for coffee with a friend or even talking with a neighbor can make a difference. Exercise can also be very effective. The chemicals your body produces while exercising have a very positive effect on mood.

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