Dysthymia is a mild, but
long-lasting form of depression. It’s also called persistent depressive disorder. People
with this condition may also have bouts of major depression at times.
Depression is a mood disorder that
affects your body, mood, and thoughts. It affects the way you eat and sleep, think about
things, and feel about yourself. It’s not the same as being unhappy or in a "blue" mood.
It’s not a sign of weakness or something that can be willed or wished away. People with
depression can’t "snap out of it" and get better. Treatment is key to recovery.
Dysthymia affects women twice as often as men. Some people may also have depression or bipolar disorder.