What's left to try? Treatment resistant dysthymia

[Glassa]

I grew up thinking that my highly muted capacity for emotional response was just a personality trait. It took a double depresion episode in my 20s to realise otherwise. Sought treatment then, nothing worked, so I just tried to get on with things.

Hit my mid 30s, and my ahedonia became so pronounced I stopprd having feelings of reward or achievement often, or lastingly. Over the past 3 years, I've engaged a mental health team, but nothing we've tried's worked.

Aside from an occasional catostrophising and the odd moment of anxiety, there's not a lot for CBT to target. Talk therapy worked through some other issues hasn't provided any symptom relief.

On the psychiatry side, if you can name a drug, I've been on it. And if I've been on it, it has either had no effect or an abnormal one.

Exercise - also a bust. Joined a gym & a team sport, went to both regularly for a bit over a year.got into the best shape I've been in a decade & only felt worse because now I was depressed *and* phyically exhausted, without ever apparent benefit of exercise endorphins. Joined a community organisation for regular socialisation and do-good spirit; left bevause I'm one of nature's introverts and people are exhausting. I don't even get a lasting sense of good feelings from being with friends

What's left? What else should I try? I'm on the waiting list for tcm therapy but there don't seem to be any other treatment trials or research programs in WA. Even if I can't be fixed, knowing more aboit why I am the way I am would make things more bearable.

[Guest_9809]

Hello Glassa, and welcome to the BB Forums. Thanks also for introducing yourself and giving us a brief run-down of how things are for you.

Firstly my apologies for the somewhat delayed response to your post. BB normally try to ensure members receive a response within 24 hours, but sometimes when people are away (as in this case) we unfortunately fall a little short. Which is what has happened in this instance.

I suspect that, given your quite complex issues and the fact that most people have probably never heard of anhedonia, it may have meant that other members feel unable or ill-equipped to respond.

Unfortunately anhedonia is not something most people know anything about, myself included. But it is my understanding that it is generally treated much the same as dysthemia. Is that right? Please correct me if I'm wrong. We do have some members here who have dysthemia, so I encourage some of them to come on board to offer you some advice and support.

Its great to see that you have tried so hard to get yourself right, thats very admirable of you. The fact that you are doing all the right things, and still coming up short, must be very discouraging for you.

Glassa, until others come to your aid, I would encourage you to have a browse through some of the existing threads here in the Forums. You will likely get some good tips and advice by doing so. And if you would like to contribute to any of those threads, then please just hit the Reply button and post away. Your input will always be welcomed and appreciated by the recipient of any posts you make.

Again I apologise for the delay in getting back to you, and I thank you for your patience. Please bear with us as we try to muster up some more responders who can help you.

Kind regards

Taurus

[white knight]

Hi Glassa, welcome

I have had dysthymia since 12yo. I'm 61. It has dropped off markedly over the last 6 years.

However, I dont find your post an easy one to answer as you've tried all the medications. Also WA is foreign to me regarding health services.

In terms of anxiety mine peaked in 1987 and it took me 25 years to rid it from my mind. My main help was from muscle tensioning exercises before sleeping.

I can only suggest you contact the WA mental health authorities.

Tony WK

[Guest_9809]

Hi Glassa, I see that Tony WK has responded to you yesterday with some helpful advice.

If you havent already done so, I would also suggest you have a look at the following thread about dysthymia which Tony started in the Depression section some time ago. You might find something of use to you in there too. Just copy and paste the following address onto your browser.

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/depression/sad-all-the-time-dysthymia

If you feel like some company over the weekend, I'd suggest you come and find some of us at the BB Cafe. You will find it under the BB Social Zone threads. Your company would be most welcome.

Taurus