To men with dysthymia: how did you overcome it? Did you do it without meds?!

To men with dysthymia: how did you overcome it? Did you do it without meds?

For personal reasons, I just wanted to ask "guy to guy", if there's any guys on here that used to have dysthymia (aka light depression, as I call it, or chronic depression), and if you overcame it fully and how you did it. I deal with it on a daily basis and I feel it's almost debilitating, as I can't have fun and enjoy the sun, love of others, beautiful things, etc. I believe it stems from emotional stuff in the past though, so I don't want to take meds ( I'm anti-med anyway). Suggestions guys? Ladies are allowed to input, but I mainly did address the question to guys that fit the description.

3 weeks ago
Thanks mnem! Unfortunately, the things you've mentioned I've already been putting into my life and they aren't doing much. LOL I exercise at the gym, treadmilling and what-not. I also take the fish oil pills (two a day!) and get my omega-3's. Being in the sun does nothing for me to help my depression, I feel the same outdoors or indoors. Thanks for the suggestions though! :-)

I have suffered from the same malady as you on and off for 25 years. I tried exercise, diet change, you name it but couldn't get the monkey off my back. I finally went to a psychologist who told me taking meds for my problem is the same as someone who takes meds for migraines, arthritis, stomach problems, etc. They treat and relive the problem. We have a mental problem and meds are used to treat them just like any other problem. I take a .5 Xanax and only take them if I feel an episode coming on. Some days I'm fine and don't need them. On the days I do, they are a godsend and work very well. Good luck!!!