Dysthymia. 3rd attempt

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Hi Folks

This message is not strictly about ACT. I posted it to several other

more

appropriate groups.

But you guys seem like a smart bunch and more likely to offer good

advice,

so I posted it here too.

cheers

Jack

PS, is anyone else having problems posting to this group? It often

takes me

2 or 3 goes to get one accepted.

I have dysthymia. A couple of years ago I found out that my lifelong

problem

had a name (I'm 40).

I have been trying to research the subject on the web and have found

it very

difficult to find any positive information. If I was searching for

info on

clinical or major depression, or bipolar, or any other common form of

depression, I would be able to find professionals detailing successful

cases, sufferers telling of their experiences and of their particular

path

to recovery. I would find, perhaps be overwhelmed by, other sufferers

offering support and positive advice.

But when I look for info on dysthymia I find 100s of websites stating

what

the disorder is and that it can be treated with medication and

therapy. And

that's it. No stories of recovery. No supportive advice. Nothing

positive at

all.

Dysthymia is supposed to effect between 3 to 5% of the population. It

is one

of the most common depression related disorders there is. Yet I have

been

searching the web for months and have found almost nothing. Certainly

nothing encouraging. Through a discussion forum I have made contact

with 3

other sufferers. All of whom are in the same situation I am. Trying

to learn

to live with their disorder with no hope of a cure.

What I can find shows me that dysthymia is very much misunderstood

and my

chances of recovery are slim to hopeless. Yet in the face of all the

evidence the professionals still tell me its treatable. I have tried

medication unsuccessfully and I am currently in therapy and becoming

increasingly disillusioned.

If I could make contact with just one person who suffered dysthymia,

but has

recovered, I would have hope. Can anyone help me meet that person??

Thanks for reading

Jack