It is common for someone with dysthymic disorder to fall into a pit of hopelessness and complete despair at some point in their recovery. The uncomfortable effects of dysthymic disorder can be challenging to cope with. Although dysthymic disorder may not be as severe as clinical depression, the condition can make one lose great interest In participating in certain activities. Many individuals with a dysthymic disorder diagnosis face difficulty completing certain tasks. If left untreated, the condition may significantly impair one’s academic and work performance. Fortunately, following a few helpful strategies and considering outpatient therapy at Renaissance Ranch can help one obtain positivity in recovery from dysthymic disorder.
What Is Dysthymic Disorder?
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), dysthymic disorder can be defined as a chronic mild depression. It is a psychiatric disorder that typically lasts approximately two years. Many individuals facing challenges with dysthymic disorder do experience fluctuating dysphoria or transient periods of normal mood. Studies have found that this disorder is quite common in the United States.
Learning to Recognize the Warning Signs of Dysthymic Disorder
Research indicates that 3-6% of the US population and 7% of primary care and mental health settings report dysthymic disorder. It can help one to learn to recognize their symptoms and report them to a health professional. Doing so may assist an individual in responding better to the negative effects of their condition. While not everyone experiences the same symptoms, a few common symptoms to recognize typically consist of the following:
- Poor appetite or overeating
- Sleep disturbances
- Low energy or a decreased mood
- Difficulty making the right choices
- Poor concentration
- Feeling hopeless
#1. Maintain a Healthy Diet to Obtain Positivity
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), abundant evidence has highlighted that keeping a nutritious diet is imperative to gaining both mental and physical health benefits. It can be helpful for an individual to avoid consuming highly processed foods. Fast food or unhealthy pre-packaged snacks can make one feel lethargic and generally unwell. These foods do not contain proper nutrients that can promote health and wellness. Thus, maintaining a healthy diet can help one obtain positivity for ongoing recovery.
#2. Maintain an Adequate Amount of Sleep to Obtain Positivity
Knowing the effects of dysthymic disorder can sometimes cause insomnia or hypersomnia, the condition can often leave one feeling run down. It is fairly common for those who do not get an adequate amount of sleep to experience problems with their mental health. Getting enough sleep may also work to reduce stress. Therefore, maintaining good sleep can effectively improve an individual’s mood, especially one who is having trouble coping with dysthymic disorder.
#3. Abstain From Harmful Substance Use to Obtain Positivity
Many individuals who experience a great burden with their mental health choose to self-medicate with alcohol and drugs. This may be done in hopes of masking their symptoms. It may feel easy to pick up a beer or take a pill to mask symptoms quickly but the effects are temporary. Although the warning signs of dysthymic disorder can feel defeating, the side effects from harmful substance use can, in turn, worsen one’s condition and overall quality of life. Maintaining abstinence can increase an individual’s energy levels, help one sleep better, and help one reconnect and respond to their emotions.
#4. Spend Time With Family and Friends to Obtain Positivity
It is common for an individual experiencing problems with their mood to avoid socializing with others. Many individuals with dysthymic disorder may avoid stepping out of their comfort zone. Their low mood and energy levels may make them feel like staying in their room and sleeping it off. Although practicing different self-care regimens may help or spending time alone may provide some level of benefit, taking too much time alone can lead to co-occurring mental health conditions. Engaging in sober activities with family and friends can provide the emotional support needed to obtain positivity while in recovery. Different sober activities that can be fun to do with others include:
- Hiking a trail together
- Going to the park
- Eating a hearty dinner
- Hosting game night
- Having a movie marathon
#5. Consider Outpatient Care to Maintain Recovery
Support from loved ones may have a positive impact on an individual’s journey through recovery. In some cases, combining self-help strategies with outpatient care may further enhance one’s healing progress. An individual may find great benefit through breaking down different outpatient programs and counseling services with a specialist at Renaissance Ranch. Doing so may help one decide which treatment option may be most effective.
Their general outpatient program (GOP) is offered at a couple of different locations. Renaissance Ranch programs are available as a “step-down level of care” to provide the continuing support needed to obtain positivity with dysthymic disorder. Different counseling options that can help one achieve long-term recovery from dysthymic disorder include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Family dynamics
- Motivational interventions
- Shame issues
- Trauma and abuse survival
- Anxiety and depression
- Relapse prevention
- Meditation and relaxation
Reaching out to patients with our unique treatment methodology has made Renaissance Ranch the foremost authority in outpatient addiction recovery in Utah. By concentrating our healing efforts on not just the physical aspect of treatment but on the spiritual side as well, we help a person’s mind and body recover and overcome the harmful consequences of drug and substance abuse. Our gender-specific recovery program aims to address particular issues men deal with while going through rehabilitation. We are here to empower you or your loved one. We want to help you reclaim control of your own mind, body, and spirit. Call Renaissance Ranch at (801) 308-8898 for continuing care.