Surviving John

Chronic Depression is a less severe form of depression. While this is not a severe condition of depression the symptoms of this disorder can last for a long period of time. Therefore it should be treated with the same concern as the other more debilitating forms of depression.

The symptoms of Chronic Depression are similar to those of major depression. They include loss of interest in one’s daily activities, difficulty sleeping, difficulty concentrating, being unable to enjoy one’s life, fatigue, loss of energy, changes in appetite, mental and physical sluggishness, thoughts of death or even suicide ,excessive feelings of guilt and worthlessness, trouble making decisions and thinking.

Sometimes these symptoms can last for years. People who have Chronic Depression can lead normal lives adequately performing all of their daily tasks but they are unable to get rid of the unhappiness that consistently clings to them. Besides suffering from Chronic Depression some people will also experience a condition called Double Depression. Double Depression occurs when a person suffers a Major Depressive episode and then returns to a Chronic Depressive mood. In Double Depression the person suffers from the severe symptoms of Major Depression as well as the milder symptoms of Chronic Depression.

Chronic Depression can affect any one who is 18 years or older.

Currently there are about 10.9 million American adults who suffer from Chronic Depression. The symptoms must be present for longer than two weeks for depression to be medically classified as Chronic Depression.

It is important for a mental health specialist to rule out any other illness that is causing these symptoms, even though the symptoms may last for 2 or more weeks. Once it is certain that the person is suffering from Chronic Depression then medical treatment for the depression can begin. Diagnosing Chronic Depression can be done by examining the psychiatric history of the patient and their family.

Any family history of Chronic Depression will more than likely indicate that the person’s symptoms point to Chronic Depression.

Victims of Chronic Depression do not have to suffer needlessly for years. There are currently a range of medications and therapies that work very well to control the initial stages of the disorder. In time an improvement in the quality of your life can be experienced. So if you suffer from Chronic Depression don’t give up, there is always hope.