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Atypical Depression

Laynelove
Community Member

Hi, I'm 25 year old female, I've never been diagnosed but i suspect I have atypical depression. I'm getting increasingly frustrated at the lack of information out there on this. I don't want Wikipedia type info, I know the textbook definition of what it is.

im just curious to know why there are no forums, personal stories, success stories, evidence of recovery out there on the internet. Is this because people just get labelled as depressed without a subtype or is it because no one knows anything about atypical depression. Has nobody ever recovered from this? Is this a life sentence for me? I'm fighting so so hard just to get by...but I'm not actually living and I haven't been for a long time.

 i am also getting really frustrated at the fact that I can't get a clear diagnosis. I have seen several therapists who don't want to put labels on me, when I finally saw a psychiatrist with my concerns I still walked out without being diagnosed. It's really important to me that I get a label so I can focus on the correct issue. The therapists I've seen keep talking about my past, but no one has ever given me cbt which is the best known method to help me with what I think I have...but then they turn around and say I'm 'treatment resistant'. I don't feel like I've ever been treated at all.

 just wondering if anyone has any experience with atypical depression? I'd rather positive stories but if they don't exist then just the truth is fine.

Thanks!

7 Replies 7

HA1
Blue Voices Member
Blue Voices Member

Hi Laynelove

Welcome to the beyondblue forum and thanks for raising this issue.

Just a quick reply to let you know that I have been thinking about this quietly in my mind for a while.  Curious why my psychs have been refusing to put any definitive label on my illness apart from saying it is a complex case and there is no precise way forward (apart from lifestyle changes - which is a common answer for atypical depression from what I have read).

Yes, they have conceded I have dysthymia, anxiety, clinical depression, etc.  but trying to get them to formulate treatment for a specific 'tag' has not happened.  Which, of course has always made me wonder.  The only treatment that has had a positive impact on me is Schema Therapy. Medication as such has helped, but I know it is not the solution.

please continue this discussion.  In the meantime I will ponder it a little more and get back to you.

By the way Mayo Clinic has a reasonable discussion on Atypical Depression.  Not great but it's there.

take care

k

Laynelove
Community Member

Hi Hideaway,

 thanks for your reply! I guess maybe there just isn't anything that can be done to help me.

 I'll have a look into schema therapy, when you say positive impact, did it help you improve a little? Do you still see yourself as unwell? How much improvement did you notice? I'm just struggling to accept the fact that I have to fight every single day just to wake up in the morning hating my life. It's very draining and pointless just to exist and not live a fulfilling life just because your head won't let you.

 i guess that's why we are all here though.

HA1
Blue Voices Member
Blue Voices Member

Hello Laynelove

What I meant by positive is that it was kind of a light bulb moment for me, in that it led me to identifying the issues that have contributed to my illness.  This in turn helped me to address my thoughts and reactions and behaviours to help me counter the negatives.  The most (hmmm) 'satisfying' part was the relief at identifying that there were events in my life that had a profound impact on me.  But an impact that I had been masking most of my life.  There was a real weight off my shoulders, realising that There was a reason that I was unwell.

Yes, I do still see myself as unwell - I have accepted that (and the acceptance itself has helped my mental state).  But it is now much easier to face each day - and looking forward to continuing that journey to recovery.  It is a positive feeling. At one stage I was like you describe yourself, but not so much anymore.  Of course there are some down times, but I manage these pretty well now.

Please don't ever think that there is nothing that can help you feel better, much better.  For there is - I know there is.  

I will leave it there for now, but would really love to continue this conversation.  There are so many options and paths to explore.

take care

K

Laynelove
Community Member
Thanks so much for your replies, it means a lot. I am going to experiment with some diet and excersise and some therapy and see how I go from there. I'll let you know what works for me and what doesn't, maybe we can exchange ideas. All the best 🙂

Hi, I'm new & not posted before but your post resonated w me & made me curious. What is this atypical depression label?

i keep feeling like I take one step forward & three back. I do well for a while & then turn flat pretty quickly for a few days; haul myself out - get better & make good strides only to slide back again. 

After 5 years I'm only just accepting that I have to Learn to manage of my depression. How will knowing the subset/ label really assist you w that? 

Thanks. 

As it may be seen on some of the other posts I've written lately I'm wanting to find out a little more about atypical ,unipolar mixed features as these are the more lesser talked about illnesses that can be connected to having a relative with bipolar in your family tree as those illnesses are genetically linked. Just a thought I see its been a while since you posted this but let us know how you are going. All the best

IreneM
Blue Voices Member
Blue Voices Member

HI Laynelove

What an interesting topic? As K or Hideaway suggested I found that the Mayo Clinic's explanation was the most patient friendly to understand.

To clarify aTypical Depression and simplify it a bit - it is depression that has got a few key symptoms ... sleep problems, feeling depressed and out of place socially, fatigue (feeling tired all the time).

Best Treatment is to treat any symptoms of stress as much as you can yourself. There is plenty of options on this forum under Get Support (above and below) and Looking after Yourself (below and above under Personal Best). Please use these sources and tips in conjunction with getting professional support.

Take care

Irene.