Dysthymia

known as persistent depressive disorder (PDD) in the DSM-5-TR and dysthymic disorder in ICD-11, is a psychiatric condition marked by symptoms that are similar to those of major depressive disorder, but which persist for at least two years in adults and one year among pediatric populations. The term was introduced by Robert Spitzer in the late 1970s as a replacement for the concept of "depressive personality."

— Wikipedia contributors. (2025, June 21). Dysthymia. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 01:16, June 24, 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Dysthymia&oldid=1296700618. CC BY-SA 4.0. See the current version.

On November 23, 2021, I first specifically mentioned "dysthymia" on my Wikipedia profile. But I've had a notice about my mental health since February that year. Before writing this, that was the only place you'd find out about my condition online. I've had depression for a large part of my life, and it affects me in a lot of ways, most of which obviously aren't bad. Tracing back my steps, I'd likely been experiencing depression starting the 4th grade, at around 9 years old. If we were to only count times when it's started to become a constant burden on me, then I've had it since 8th grade, at around 13 years old.

If I'm replying to your messages slowly, or if I cancel on a plan out of the blue, or if I suddenly fall quiet or feel sad, I'm sorry. It flares up on times I don't expect, and doesn't stop for a while. Sometimes it gets better on its own. Sometimes it doesn't. I stop taking care of myself. I lay in bed for most of the day, or sit mindlessly at my desk. I stare out into space. I silently cry. Whatever happens, I'd appreciate it a lot if you kept bothering me anyway, because as much as the bottom of the pit feels comfortable, the care of someone else's is much more so.

If you feel that something's off or I'm placing myself in danger, or if I haven't been responding to messages for a long while, please feel free to contact anyone who would be able to provide assistance. My phone number is usually always callable, and some of my friends have that number. If you're a friend who's going through the same, I'm always here for you. Let's talk. You don't have to go through things alone. I want to give you the same love and care that others have given me throughout the years, which for so long have kept the bad thoughts at bay.