How can I tell if I have dysthymia or clinical depression?

Starting at the most mild end of the spectrum, dysthymia generally emerges as a low mood that depresses an individual’s frame of mind over a consistent and extended period of time. The dysthymic individual can usually carry out home and work duties sufficiently, but not optimally. More severe, clinical depression often does interrupt one’s job, family and lifestyle when an individual no longer finds pleasure in activities and people he or she once enjoyed.

You may have dysthymia or clinical depression if:

• You have periods of sadness, irritability or crying spells most of the time for a period of two weeks or longer.
• Activities and social opportunities you once enjoyed no longer give you much pleasure.
• You feel either perpetually restless or as if you're moving in slow motion.
• You don't have the energy you once did. You often tell people that you're "exhausted."
• You are plagued by intense feelings of low self-esteem.
• You feel incredibly guilty about events or comments you are not wholly responsible for.
• You struggle to concentrate and make decisions.
• You fantasize about suicide. You think about death often.