Mild Depression (Dysthymia): Symptoms

Mild Depression or Dysthymia Disorder

This condition involves chronic depressed mood, poor self-esteem, and low-level symptoms of major depression (see below). "People with mild depression can still function, but they're sad sacks," says San Francisco psychiatrist Michael Freeman, M.D., "They consider themselves losers." (Dysthymia is pronounced dis-THIME-ee-uh.)

Dysthymia may or may not have a triggering life event. Quite often, there is nothing to blame it on--no loss or life change. This can be confusing for both the person affected, and the loved ones. But just as you can catch a cold seemingly out of nowhere, you can also slip into dysthymia for no apparent reason.

Symptoms of Mild Disorder

• The person has had it for so long his depression feels "normal" to him.
• The person can take care of himself, and can function "normally".
• There is a continual experience of chronic low-grade depression.
• Other symptoms may include fatigue, insomnia, and low self-esteem.

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