Imagine waking up every day feeling like you’ve got a heavy, invisible cloud hovering over your head, but you can’t remember a time when it wasn’t there. It’s like trying to live life in a perpetual drizzle—not quite a storm, but not clear skies either. Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD), is a condition that’s not just about feeling down for a while. PDD is more like that annoying house guest who overstays their welcome, hanging around long after the party is over. It is a long-term form of depression that affects many areas of life. It is marked by feelings of sadness and hopelessness that seem to persist for years. While everyone feels down occasionally, someone with PDD experiences these feelings almost every day, making it difficult to enjoy life, work, or maintain relationships. But don’t worry! There are ways to send this grumpy guest packing (or at least get them to chill out). Let’s dive into what PDD is and, more importantly, what can help!
Understanding PDD
PDD is more than just occasional sadness. The key difference between PDD and other types of depression is how long it lasts. While some people may experience short-term depressive episodes, PDD lingers for at least two years, often longer. Symptoms may be mild, but because they persist for so long, they can be just as challenging as more severe forms of depression. Common symptoms include:
- Chronic sadness: Feeling consistently low or down, even when life is going well.
- Low energy: Constant fatigue or lack of motivation to engage in daily activities.
- Sleep problems: Trouble falling or staying asleep (insomnia), or in some cases, sleeping too much.
- Difficulty concentrating: It can be hard to focus, make decisions, or remember details.
- Low self-esteem: Feeling worthless or not good enough.
- Changes in appetite: Some people may lose their appetite, while others may overeat.
- Emotional numbness: Feeling disconnected from your emotions, like you’re “just going through the motions.”
- Hopelessness: A constant sense that things will never improve.
How PDD Affects Life
PDD doesn’t just make you feel sad—it can interfere with nearly every part of your life. Someone with PDD may struggle to maintain relationships, keep a job, or succeed in school. They might find it hard to enjoy things that once brought them happiness, leading to social isolation. Over time, these challenges can compound, making it feel impossible to escape the cycle of depression.
For instance, low self-esteem can make it hard to form close relationships, while poor concentration may affect work performance. The lack of energy can make even simple tasks, like getting out of bed, feel like a mountain to climb. Unfortunately, PDD can also cause a person to feel emotionally numb or disconnected, making them unaware of how much they’re truly struggling.
What Causes PDD?
The exact causes of PDD are not fully understood, but several factors likely play a role:
- Brain chemistry: People with PDD may have changes in their brain’s circuitry, particularly in areas related to mood regulation. Low levels of serotonin, a chemical that helps regulate mood, might contribute to these feelings of depression.
- Life events: Traumatic or stressful experiences, such as the loss of a loved one, financial difficulties, or a history of abuse, can increase the risk of developing PDD. These events can have a lasting impact on a person’s mental health.
- Physical health issues: A head injury, such as a concussion, can also trigger changes in brain chemistry that may lead to depression.
How Can PDD Be Treated?
While PDD can be a long-lasting condition, it is treatable. Several strategies can help manage the symptoms and improve quality of life:
- Psychotherapy/Counselling: Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective treatments for PDD. It helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns, making it easier to manage their symptoms. Other types of therapy, such as interpersonal therapy (IPT), can help improve relationships and social functioning.
- Medication: Antidepressants, especially selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can help balance the chemicals in the brain, making it easier to manage mood. It’s important to work closely with a doctor to find the right medication and dosage.
- Lifestyle changes: Regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and good sleep hygiene can have a significant impact on mood. Exercise, in particular, has been shown to boost serotonin levels naturally, which may help reduce depressive symptoms.
- Support networks: Having a strong support system can make a big difference. This can include friends, family, or support groups where individuals can share their experiences and feel less isolated.
- Mindfulness and relaxation: Techniques like mindfulness meditation, deep breathing, and relaxation exercises can help manage stress and improve emotional regulation.
Final Thoughts
Persistent Depressive Disorder can make life challenging, but it’s important to remember that help is available. With the right combination of psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle changes, it’s possible to manage PDD and improve overall well-being. While it may take time, small steps toward better mental health can lead to meaningful improvements.
If you or someone close to you are living with persistent depressive disorder, remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, and with the right support, brighter days are possible—reach out to a therapist or counsellor who can guide you on your path to feeling better. Being a mental health professional, we are here to help you, and it may be the first step toward finding relief and improving quality of life.
Author: Nenad Bakaj, MHumServ (RehabCouns), BSocWk, DipAppSci (Comm&HumServ), AMHSW, MAAC, MAASW, JP (Qld)
Nenad Bakaj is a Brisbane based Clinical Counsellor, Accredited Mental Health Social Worker, Life Coach and Bigger Bite Out Of Life Trainer with a keen interest in positive psychology, mental health and wellbeing, and is continually developing his professional skills and knowledge. Nenad enjoys working with adolescents and young adults, as well as older clients, and feels it is a privilege to be able to support them.
To make an appointment with Nenad Bakaj, try Online Booking. Alternatively, you can call Vision Psychology Brisbane on (07) 3088 5422 or M1 Psychology Loganholme on (07) 3067 9129.
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).
American Psychiatric Association. (2024). What Is Depression? Retrieved October 20, 2024, from www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/depression/what-is-depression. Cleveland Clinic. (2024) Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD). Retrieved October 20, 2024, from www.my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9292-persistent-depressive-disorder-pdd.
Harvard Health Publishing. (2023). Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia). Retrieved October 20, 2024, from www.health.harvard.edu/a_to_z/dysthymia-a-to-z. Mayo Clinic. (2022). Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia): Symptoms and Causes. Retrieved October 20, 2024, from www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/persistent-depressive-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20350929.