On a mental disorder

I have been roused by one of my teacher to ask myself this...also by my morbid curiosity, so I won't end up like this:

http://img2.ak.crunchyroll.com/i/spire4/8d3abe3c62cc98c4045c7f64c3609b5a1229112889_full.jpg

Look at that straight hair!...

Q: My Son has been diagnosed with the disorder Dysthymia; can he lead a fulfilling life?

A: Dysthymia may be a mild form of depression, but it affects your life more than regular depression. Dysthymia is chronic, so it lasts for quite a longer time. It often is written off as plain moodiness. The difference though, is that this feeling of gloominess would last for years, and one would find it hard to be upbeat, even on the happiest occasions. Your child may be less productive, and prone to relationship issues. This leads to social isolation, problems with school and work, and family conflict, having an overall reduced quality of life. This risks suicidal behavior, major depression and substance abuse.

 

Treatment is usually comprised of medicine and/or psychotherapy. If you must choose one over the other, choose medicinal. Medicine is generally more effective on its own, though a combination of the two may be more effective than stand alone treatments.  Considering your means, medication tolerance, severity of illness, and resolve, do choose carefully. Antidepressants may lead to an increase of suicidal thoughts, serious side effects, and strict dietary adherence. You should talk with your child’s therapist, or the school counselor in what therapy to take. It’s helpful if he needs help learning to make decisions or has self-defeating behavior patterns. At home, you should stick to your treatment plan, take your medication, and watch for any sort of warning sign that the illness is worsening. Physical activity may reduce the symptoms relating to depression.

 

Coping with this shouldn’t be too hard with love and support. Try cutting back his obligations and set reasonable goals and schedules. Structure and organizations is essential. A to do list can help him focus on his goals, both in recovery and in life, as it all boils down to him to make the choices in the end. A social life, at this point, is definitely a positive asset for him; encourage him him hang out with his friends and participate in social activities. Encourage him to eat healthy and make sure he gets enough rest. Stress management and relaxation is essential. Try finding out his interests that relax and encourage him in them. If the school has a support group for him, encourage him to join. He would connect well, and he would get a sense that he is not alone in this struggle. He may find a method to coping that we never dreamed of. Mentors who have grappled with this may be a positive asset as well, though he may not relate as well, depending on his age. Finally, Journaling on one’s emotion has been found to have positive results.

 

Many successful people suffering from depression, Dysthymia or otherwise, have lead a fulfilling life. You may recognize Vincent Van Gough, Ernest Hemingway, Princess Diana, Sylvia Plath, Winston Churchill, and JK Rowling.  They didn’t let depression get in their way on the road to greatness. Try letting your son discover his passion; encourage him to try new things. The final decision is left to him. The best you can do is to help him feed the flame in his heart.