5 Signs you have persistent depressive disorder
Persistent depressive disorder (PPD and formerly known as Dysthymia) is a mild but long lasting form of depression. It is easily missed by many and often times you may feel that this is “just how you are” because it’s all you’ve ever known. The best way to describe PPD is feeling as if there is a cloud always over your head, almost as if there’s a cap to how happy you can feel. Sometimes people may refer to you as Eeyore and it’s something you’ve struggled with throughout your teen years and onward. PPD can also start in adulthood but I often see this start around puberty for many.
So what are the most common signs of PPD?
You are still able to function in your day to day life
PPD is not like major depressive disorder, you’re still able to move about your life and complete important tasks. It may feel like it takes a lot of energy and willpower but you get it done. You may however feel down and hopeless about the task the whole time, wondering how you will ever complete it. This is the high functioning part of PPD and why many can gaslight themselves into believing they aren’t actually depressed because “I can still complete all of my responsibilities”. You may be able to complete and stay on top of important tasks but it’s a lot harder for you than it is for others.
You feel like you’ve always had a low mood to the point where it feels like this is just who you are
You can’t remember the last time you felt “normal”, you know you don’t feel the same range of emotions that everyone else does. You feel like there has always been a cloud over your head and you haven’t felt happiness the way others have in a long time. Even when you have accomplishments the excitement and happiness seems to wear off quick or you never get that happiness or excitement at all. It’s been going on for so long it feels like this is just a part of who you are. People probably often describe you as being gloomy or that you’re unable to have fun or that you’re a negative person.
You always feel tired
Just like with major depression, you always feel tired. No matter how much sleep you get it feels as if you could always sleep more. Physical activities and being out all day can be especially challenging due to the exhaustion you always feel. You may find yourself over sleeping, taking frequent naps, or having a hard time concentrating. On the flip side you may even experience insomnia, struggling to fall asleep or stay asleep.
No matter how good life is you struggle to feel it
No matter how good your life looks on paper you really struggle to feel it. This goes in line with number 2. You could have a loving partner, a stable job, stable finances, a supportive family, great friends, etc. You could feel like you have everything going for you and still feel hopeless and down. There may feel like there is no point to life because nothing is bringing you joy. It’s hard to look forward to the future because everything feels bleak or dreadful. You may also feel guilty, you know your life is good so you feel like you shouldn’t feel like this. You may feel like you are being ungrateful for the life you have.
You get easily irritated
PPD often makes it so you get easily irritated by anything and anyone. You often walk away wondering why did I act like that or why did that make me feel so annoyed? You know rationally many of these things shouldn’t irritate you but they do. You feel as if you can’t control your irritation no matter how much you try or want to.
These are just a few signs of PPD that many experience, there are many other signs that you may have. PPD can also experience major depressive episodes from time to time. So while you overall may feel gloomy or down there may be times where you experience a full blown episode that causes you to struggle to get out of bed in the mornings, you may lose interest in your hobbies, you may even start to experience suicidal thoughts. This episode can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.
If you feel like you may be struggling with PPD it would be a good idea to reach out to a professional for help. PPD is not something you have to live with for the rest of your life, it is something that can be helped and managed. Sometimes through therapy alone or in tandem with medication. If you’re looking for a therapist for anxiety and depression, I can help. If you’re interested in working together you can contact me below.
