How To Deal With Low Grade Depression

How To Discuss High

Dont let the high-functioning part of high-functioning depression mislead you. Depression in any of its forms is a condition that can and should be treated.

If you think you may have dysthymia, its essential to seek help. Seeing a mental health professional is the first step to recovery, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness .

It is important to clarify with your physician that you believe youre suffering from low-grade depression and present reasons why.

Most people with dysthymia are undertreated, according the Harvard Health Newsletter. They may only complain about physical symptoms or fail to complain at all because the disorder has become so much a part of them that they believe that is simply how life is. In older people, dysthymia may be disguised as dementia, apathy, or irritability.

Healthcare providers may do a brief screening questionnaire and/or refer you to a mental health professional such as a psychiatrist or psychologist.

What Else Can I Do To Feel Better

Getting an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment is a major step in feeling better with chronic depression. In addition, ask your doctor about the benefits of healthy lifestyle habits such as eating a well-balanced diet, getting regular exercise, avoiding alcohol and smoking, and being with close friends and family members for strong social support. These positive habits are also important in improving mood and well-being.

Depressions On The Rise

Its probably no surprise that six months spent dealing with widespread sickness and death, quarantine orders, time away from loved ones and friends, andif youre a parentpressure to work without childcare and/or during virtual learning, has taken a toll on mental health. In fact, a study released this month in JAMA Network Open found people were three times as likely to develop depression symptoms during Covid-19 compared to pre-pandemic. Think about the abrupt manner in which life changed earlier in 2020, says Hafeez. It can be reasonable to suspect low-grade depression as life goals become stalled, families around the country experience losses of loved ones or financial stability, along with regular stresses, she adds.

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Are There Different Types Of Depression

If you are given a diagnosis of depression, you might be told that you have mild, moderate or severe depression. This describes what sort of impact your symptoms are having on you currently, and what sort of treatment you’re likely to be offered. You might move between mild, moderate and severe depression during one episode of depression or across different episodes.

There are also some specific types of depression:

• Seasonal affective disorder depression that occurs at a particular time of year, or during a particular season. See our page on SAD for more information.
• Dysthymia continuous mild depression that lasts for two years or more. Also called persistent depressive disorder or chronic depression.
• Prenatal depression depression that occurs during pregnancy. This is sometimes also called antenatal depression.
• Postnatal depression depression that occurs in the first year after giving birth.

See our page on postnatal depression and perinatal mental health for more information. The PANDAS Foundation also has information and support for anyone experiencing prenatal or postnatal depression.

Is premenstrual dysphoric disorder a type of depression?

PMDD is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome . Many women experience PMS, but for some women their symptoms are severe enough to seriously impact their daily life. This is when you might receive a diagnosis of PMDD.

Coping With Mild Depression

There are also several self-care treatments that can help treat chronic mild depression. Here are a few suggestions to keep in mind:

• Aim for 30 minutes of moderately-intense exercise most days of the week, and add vigorous exercise if you are able to do so.
• Avoid alcohol and illegal drugs.
• Be sure that you are taking your medications correctly. Tell your doctor about any supplements or herbal remedies you take.
• Eat a varied and nutritious diet.
• Find things to do that you enjoy.
• Get enough sleep and ensure you have a restful sleeping environment.
• Seek out people for friends who are positive, supportive, and show that they care about you.

If you have been diagnosed with dysthymia, but your depression symptoms are getting worse, make sure you talk to your doctor. They will reevaluate your symptoms and adjust your treatment if necessary.

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Try Different Types Of Therapy

Lastly, therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapy , are additional tools that can help you work through depression, adds Hafeez. This is a time for people to understand that self-care and healthful enjoyment are also important aspects of life, and our mental health requires that we invest in ourselves, she says.

If you or someone you know has had thoughts of self-harm or suicide, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline , which provides 24/7, free, confidential support for people in distress.

How Can I Tell If I’m Depressed?

What Does Dysthymia/ Low

Some people may not realize that they have low-grade depression. This is because symptoms such as chronic sadness and low mood have been existing with them for too long. As a result, these signs turn out to seem normal to them over that prolonged time.

As mentioned above, approximately 6% of people in the US experienced episodes of low-grade depression at one time in their lives. More than half of the sufferers eventually went ahead to develop an episode of serious depression.

Patients treated for major episodes of depression are likely to experience cases of low-grade depression but with milder symptoms. Some of these symptoms may persist for a very long period.

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She suggested that her depression was related to the ongoing protests and racial unrest around the United States since the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody in May.

I have to say, that waking up to the news, waking up to how this administration has or has not responded, waking up to yet another story of a Black man or a Black person somehow being dehumanized or hurt or killed, or falsely accused of something, it is exhausting, she said. It has led to a weight that I havent felt in my life in, in a while.

Mrs. Obama said she had benefited from keeping a routine, including exercise, getting fresh air and having a regular dinner time.

How Is The Diagnosis Made

Your first step in finding out whether you have a form of depression is to reach out to your family doctor if you have one, or a telehealth service like Felix. As with other mood disorders, your doctor will assess the likelihood of the presence of low-grade depression based on the signs and symptoms that they can observe and that the patient reports.

Your doctor will check your symptoms against the DSM-5 requirements for a diagnosis of low-grade depression. They will also consider the severity of your symptoms to determine whether it is more likely to be chronic low-grade depression or major depressive disorder, since the symptoms are very similar.

Your doctor may also suggest running some physical tests in order to rule out medical conditions like hypothyroidism, which can cause symptoms similar to those of mild depression. You may be asked about your medical history, medications, and family history of depression.

Read Also: Best Way To Treat Major Depressive Disorder

Protect Your Mental Health And Learn About Dysthymia And Why It’s A Risk During Covid

Michelle Obama continues to be a source of inspiration, including when it comes to destigmatizing mental health issues. Last month on The Michelle Obama Podcast, the former First Lady shared that she has low-grade depression. Its obvious that 2020 has been an anxious year due to Covid-19, the social justice movement, and the upcoming U.S. presidential election. And if youre dealing with symptoms of depression and anxiety, everything can feel tougher to cope with. As Obama talked about her mental health challenges, many people sat up and said thats me, too.

So, what exactly is low-grade depression, a term often used alongside dysthymia, and how it differs from depression? Mental health experts explain what you need to know.

What Are The Symptoms Of Dysthymia

Dysthymia is milder, yet more long lasting than major depression. Each person may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

• Lasting sad, anxious, or empty mood
• Less ability to concentrate, think, and/or make decisions
• Feeling hopeless
• Weight and/or appetite changes due to over- or under-eating
• Changes in sleep patterns, such as fitful sleep, inability to sleep, early morning awakening, or sleeping too much
• Low self-esteem

To diagnose this condition, an adult must have a depressed mood for at least 2 years , along with at least 2 of the above symptoms. The symptoms of this illness may look like other mental health conditions. Always talk with a healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

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Feeling Down It Could Be Low

Mood, like color, has a range of hues, from the bright shades of happiness to the dark ones of depression. A mood problem that’s down in the dark range, but doesn’t quite reach the level of depression, is dysthymia . It refers to a long-term drone of low-grade depression that lasts for at least two years in adults or one year in children and teens. While not necessarily as crippling as major depression, its persistent hold can keep you from feeling good and interfere with your work, school, family, and social life. Think of dysthymia as a dim gray compared to depression’s blackness.

You might have dysthymia if you feel depressed during most of the day. You carry out your daily responsibilities, but without much zest for life. The depressed mood lingers for more than two months at a time, and is accompanied by at least two of these symptoms:

• overeating or loss of appetite
• insomnia or sleeping too much
• tiredness or lack of energy
• low self-esteem
• trouble concentrating or making decisions
• feelings of hopelessness

This low-grade depression lasts an average of five years. That’s another way it differs from major depression, in which relatively short episodes can be separated by considerable spans of time. It’s possible for an episode of major depression to occur on top of dysthymia this is known as double depression.

For more information on treating depression, .

What Factors Contribute To Low

Causative factors or the etiology of health-related conditions play a critical role in your well-being. These factors lay a foundation for a better structural treatment plan. In this regard, low-grade depression comes as a result of multiple factors.

This condition cannot be linked to one major cause but several factors. As such, it is a good idea to have first-hand information about all factors that can contribute to low-grade depression.

Below is a detailed explanation of the factors that cause low-grade depression. Once you have these factors at your fingertips, you will know how to overcome your case of depressive mood.

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Michelle Obama On Low

If you are dealing with low-grade depression, then know that you are not alone. Michelle Obama appeared on the game show LIVE! With Kelly and Ryan back in May to talk about this issue. She said that she had suffered from it herself once. As a global celebrity, Michelle Obamas statements have been good for public awareness. They might even help combat mental health stigma, especially for less severe illnesses such as minor depression.

In her recent interview, she admitted that she too struggled with this condition but it is manageable and urged other people to seek treatment. Dont be afraid to offer them a shoulder to lean on or ask for one yourself, she stressed. Youre not alone, and there should be a suitable treatment option available .

We are glad you are still reading. We will talk about the treatment of low-grade depression in this last section of the article.

Whats The Difference Between Low

Sadly, sometimes its incredibly hard to tell. Whatever scale of depression youre suffering from, it can become near impossible to identify your symptoms as they can cloud your judgment.

High-grade depression is usually diagnosed as people who normally feel fine. They may, over a period of time, start to develop feelings of sadness and low moods. Some may feel suicidal or unable to get out of bed. This can actually be diagnosed and treated more easily as there is a clear change, shares Dr Giuseppe.

Low-grade, on the other hand, is more tricky to identify. Especially if people have felt this way for yearsthey may have just accepted that this is the way they feel or what their personality is like, he adds.

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Home Remedies And Lifestyle Approaches For Low

The treatment of low-grade depression cannot be possible unless you find some professional help at the right time. However, you can use lifestyle strategies and home remedies to solve this problem.

Have a look at some of these strategies highlighted below:

1. Learn more about Low-Grade Depression

Once you have the right information about your condition you will be able to find a better treatment plan. Besides educating yourself about your situation, you can let your family members and those close to you know your condition.

These people will most probably understand and provide the necessary support that you so much need.

2. Focus on your treatment plan

In this case, dont skip taking your medication or overlook your psychotherapy sessions. If you have to skin any of the two treatment plans, you must consult with your doctor for further guidance.

Also, dont be discouraged because your improvement may take a little while.

3. Watch out for any warning signs

Make sure to work closely with your therapist to learn what triggers your depression. Besides, make a proper plan about what you should do if the symptoms get worse or rather if they relapse even after treatment.

Involve your family members and friends where possible, to be on the lookout for any warning signs you may display.

4. Follow a healthy lifestyle

5. Avoid substance abuse

6. Go for alternative medicines

Insomnia And Sleeping Issues

Insomnia is not as frequent as depression or anxiety, but it is estimated that nearly 60 percent of people who have been diagnosed with anxiety and depression also have insomnia. A person with insomnia usually has a circadian disturbance that affects their bodys ability to stay asleep at night, especially after 10 p.m. A person who has insomnia is more likely to experience sleep disturbances, including nightmares and sleep paralysis. Other sources of stress can all make someone with insomnia more vulnerable to other mental health concerns.

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Why Consider Bridges To Recovery For Treatment Of High

At Bridges to Recovery, we specialize in diagnosing and treating complex psychiatric and emotional issues such as high-functioning depression. We provide compassionate and effective care in a serene residential setting so clients can focus on their treatment and recovery without the worries of external pressures and stressors.

• Private residential accommodations. Our exclusive residential treatment homes have a maximum of six clients, providing a safe, private alternative to a more traditional hospital environment.
• World-class clinical staff. Our expert clinical team provides individual therapy using proven evidence-based treatment modalities to treat high-functioning depression.
• Individualized treatment plans. After a thorough assessment, we create a truly individualized treatment plan that offers profound healing and strategies for overcoming the toughest obstacles.
• Health and wellness focused. To ensure your comfort during your healing process, our chefs create delicious healthy, gourmet meals. We also offer yoga, meditation, acupuncture, massage, and physical fitness classes.

At Bridges to Recovery, we believe that exceptional psychiatric, clinical, and holistic care can transform lives. With the utmost dignity and respect, we meet you where you are to develop a vision for the life you wish to have, and offer the care you need to achieve it.

How Is Dysthymia Diagnosed

Depression often happens with other conditions, such as heart disease, or cancer. It may also happen with substance abuse or anxiety disorders. Often, people with dysthymia grow accustomed to the mild depressive symptoms and do not seek help. But, early diagnosis and treatment is key to recovery.

A diagnosis may be made after a careful psychiatric exam and medical history done by a mental health professional.

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Do That One Thing That You Know Will Make You Feel Better

An oldie, but a goodietry do one thing that makes you happy every day. That could be cleaning your space, making a frothy coffee or going for a walk, but whatever it is, do it for you.

Is there one thing youve been putting off for a long time that nags at you? What one thing would make you feel good about yourself? Taking the time to cook for yourself? Getting your nails done? asks Dr Shakir. Whatever it is, he encourages you to identify it and do it.