Chronic Depression

Chronic Depression is a less severe form of depression also called Dysthymia.  The symptoms can linger on for longer periods of time like 2 years or over.  People who have this type of depression can function fine only they seem always unhappy.  Here are the symptoms of this kind of depression:

• Persistent sad or empty feeling
• Difficulty sleeping (sleeping too much or too little)
• Insomnia (early morning awakening)
• Feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, and worthlessness
• Feelings of guilt
• Loss of interest or the ability to enjoy oneself
• Loss of energy or fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating, thinking or making decisions
• Changes in appetite (overeating or loss of appetite)
• Observable mental and physical sluggishness
• Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment
• Thoughts of death or suicide

Dysthymia is most common in women, but it could start in childhood or adulthood. The Doctor will usually make his diagnosis by the symptoms that the patient describes.  As long as the symptoms have lasted 2 years or more and they are not as severe as Major Depression, then the treatment can begin. 

First, the Doctor will have to be sure that the symptoms are not due to substance abuse or a medical condition.  Also, the depression and other symptoms should be causing distress in your life in order to confirm this type of depression.  There is no blood, x-ray or other lab test to diagnose this depression.


Dysthymia is very serious, but it can be treated.  As with anything health issue, if treated early that can increase the chances of it not being prolonged and get complicated.  Doctors may use counseling, medications or a combination of both to treat chronic depression. 

Major (Clinical) Depression

epression, let's talk about depression. If someone is feeling depressed and is not treated it could lead to suicide. If you are feeling depressed make sure to talk to someone you trust as soon as possible. Get help and start treating your depression.


One type of depression is called major or clinical depression. Symptoms are:

• Fatigue or loss of energy
• Feelings or worthlessness or guilt
• Impaired concentration, indecisiveness
• Insomnia or hypersomnia (too much sleep)
• Diminished interest or pleasure
• Restlessness or being slowed down
• Recurring thoughts of death or suicide
• Significant weight loss or gain of more than 5% body fat in one month

These symptoms might make it hard to work, study, sleep,eat and enjoy friends and activities. You can have this kind of depression once in your lifetime or several times in your lifetime.

Major depression affect adults, teens, children and the elderly alike. It may go unnoticed and untreated in children and the elderly. It is also said that about twice as many women than men get major depression because of puberty, menstration, pregnancy, miscarriage and menopause. Other factors may include, increased responsibilities at home or at work, juggling kids, careers, commitments, caring for an elderly parent and raising a child alone.

Men can also get major depression, but it is significantly underreported.  Men are less likely to seek help or even talk about it.  Signs of major depression in men may include:  irritability, anger, or drug and alcohol abuse. By not admitting, it can result in violent behavior both inwards and outwards.  Also, can result in an increase of illness, suicide and homicide.