Treatments for Dysthymia and Depression
Treatments for Depression and Dysthymia are basically the same, the one possible difference is that with Dysthymia almost certainly the treatment must be on going rather than a one off. Treatments fall into 2 types, Medication and non medication. We have divided these into 4 categories, Non medication, Self Help and Professional Talk Therapy. Medication is divided into Drugs and Alternative Medication.
 Self Help
There is a lot that can be done to self help. If you can do so physically then anything that gives vigorous activity can have a very beneficial effect. Activities such as Walking, Running, Weightlifting, Gymnastics, Swimming, Gardening etc can have tremendous results. The reason for this is that Depression is a slowing down of the brain chemistry, vigorous activity quickens up the response in the brain thus can give an instant if at times temporary relieve to depression. Regular Exercise is therefore very beneficial in Depression and Dysthymia. Other possible helps are a change, prehaps a holiday, sometimes more drastic a change of job or house however that last two should not be entered into lightly. Sometimes just sitting down with someone and talking can help, if possible try to work out why you are depressed sometimes it is obvious but other times it takes some working out but finding a reason then working out how to change things (self counseling) can give permanent relief.
 Professional Help without Medication (Talk Therapies)
The are a number of talk therapies which in Britain can be arranged through the heath service usually via your GP (Doctor) or can be arranged privately. The most common of these is counseling which can help to overcome problems with yourself, your life, traumatic events and relationships. Counseling can be very helpful and can benefit people with Dysthymia, however if that is your choice then just be aware of two dangers. Counseling tends to be centered around yourself it can under certain conditions cause you to put yourself before anyone and can lead to divorce and family breakup, although this is rare it is worth being aware of this as this may not be what you want. The second is that occasionally it can through up unwanted things from the past causing stress and illness. However these two are rare, counseling has helped a lot of people to get better.
Related to this is psychology, psychotherapy, transactional analysis which also can be beneficial.
 Treatments with Medication (Antidepressants)
A trip to the doctor with depression can often lead to a patient coming out with a prescription for antidepressants. These certainly can help, however they may take about 2 weeks or more before they kick in and many do have unwanted side effects. In most instants a patient will be offered a SSRI (Selective Serotonin Re uptake Inhibitor) which works on a brain chemical called Serotonin often implicated in depression. The usual 2 that are offered are Prozac and Seroxat. If you are using these for the first time read the information sheet and note the side effects, these usually go within the first month, however if these are becoming a major problem then go back and discuss this with your doctor as there are a range of antidepressants to choose from.
In more severe depressions notably double depression where there have been suicidal thoughts then your GP may refer you to a psychiatrist, these in Britain are not the classic sat by the bed and talk routine as pictured in many films, but are a consultant specializing in mental health who usually uses a greater range of medication than a GP would. In the most severe causes then admission to hospital may be needed and possibly the controversial Electric Shock Treatment (EST).
 Alternative Therapies
Most health food shops will give advice on alternative medications for depression, the best known being St Johns Wort, others include Milk Thistle and a little know homeopathic remedy Electricitas, however there is also a range of therapists offering Herbs, Acupuncture, Iridology, Homeopathy and other therapies all of which may help.
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