dysthymia?

I'm wondering if I suffer from dysthymia.  I'm a 33 y.o. male.  Main symptoms are constant, heavy fatigue, poor concentration, some overeating, and lack of enjoyment/low motivation.  First sypmtoms were 10 years ago.  I've seen the g.p. on several occasions, but nothing seemed to work.  He thought it was depression.  We tried prozac for a few months, but that made me exceptionally sleepy.  Wellbutrin was tried for a year, maxing at 450mg per day.  I didn't feel much difference, although possibly a 'bump' during the first month or two when my appetite decreased and I could concentrate better.    I never have "up" periods.

My bloodwork (CBCs) are fine.

I've never felt suicidal, nor down on myself.  I don't have crying spells, and I'm not particularly sad.  I can be a little irritable when fatigued.  I do have frequent feelings of regret and remorse, such that I've had to train myself not to think that way.

I work in a very stressful job where conflict is part of my responsibility.  I don't particularly love it, but I feel like I have a handle on it.  

Just wondering if this fits the mold.  I'm just really, really tired of being tired.  Any help would be appreciated.

[xanweaner]

Have you considered burn-out? Perhaps the conflict is too much although you can "handle it".....stress can wear you down and make you feel that way. You probably need an outlet - some sort of physical exertion to work through the stress -

I'm sure you heard about the recent data about AD's not being that effective for treating mild-to-moderate depression.....so, perhaps some therapy with a good psychologist might uncover the source as well.....
I wish you the best in your search....

[bosnianworrier]

I think I have dysthymia as well. I don't fear it and am not suicidal but what bothers me even more is depersonalization. If I only could get rid of DP, I'd fight depression easier.

[thetaetazeta]

The answer is simple... you would feel normal in three months if you...

exercised vigorously >30 min / day at least 5 times a week
meditate 30mins / day
took fish oil (EPA> 1g / day )
avoided toxins (eg no nicotine / alcohol / caffeine )
made sleep a priority and got >7.5 hrs per night

unfortunately most people really can't be bothered and prefer to look for their answer in a drug which will never be of benefit in this case, the answer is in how you live your life....

[xanweaner]

If you do take fish oil, be sure that it's pharmaceutical grade. I take 1,000 mg./day - 1 capsule, and so far, so good.
I like thetaetazeta's advice, too....

One thing to consider - perhaps your fatigue is due to a sleep disorder. You might want to have a sleep study done - that might uncover something, too. Just be sure to go to a center that's associated with a university and is accredited.

Good luck in your search...

[Great_Gonzo]

I appreciate the advice, all.  I will make a point to follow it as best I can.  Easier said than done at first, when you feel like garbage all the time, but I can remember a time when exercise was a priority and I felt better.

I've considered the sleep issue.  I'll look into it more.

Basically my life is very out of balance and has been for a long time.  Need to take care of the body, mind and soul too.

Thanks again.

[xanweaner]

The care of the soul.....I once said that one of my highest paying jobs ever killed my soul - all I did, all day and into the evenings many days, was answer pages, talk on a cell phone and handle sales and problems, and follow-up on my computer with reports, etc.. All while driving my car, racing to appointments..... At the end of my work day, what little I had  left over to give was to my young son.

When I came down with some horrible health issues, and during my therapy, my psychologist said that my brain just said "stop". I knew then that my soul had been suffering horribly - and I used to wonder if it really was a case of "soul sickness"....

Take it from me - I probably was mildly depressed and just kept pushing myself and ended up very ill as a result. Take everyone's advice and take some action!!

Do it for your soul!!!