Minor Depression: Is There Such A Thing?

Like many mental health disorders, depression can present on a spectrum. While some experience severe symptoms that substantially interfere with their functional ability, others may have low-level symptoms that can persist for years. This is often referred to as persistent depressive disorder and can also be called dysthymia, minor depression, or chronic depression. Although this type of depression may not impact daily life as much as major depressive disorder, treatment can still be helpful. Attending therapy sessions online or in person with a licensed therapist can alleviate symptoms and help you heal.

What is major depression?

Symptoms can range from intense and debilitating to low-level chronic effects on mood and personality and can be reflected in several disorder classifications. Left untreated, major depression can significantly impair one's ability to function in daily activities, relationships, and work.

While no long-term “cure” may exist, depression can be a treatable mental health condition, and you can often manage symptoms to reduce their effect on your day-to-day life.

Classifications of depressive disorders

Depression symptoms can occur with several mood disorders, including those listed below.

Major depressive disorder (MDD)

The most severe and most common form of depression is generally considered to be major depressive disorder. In order to meet the criteria for major depressive disorder, symptoms must persist for at least two weeks, cause mental, emotional, or physical distress, and interfere with functional ability in one or more areas of daily life. 

Bipolar mental health disorder

Bipolar disorder, formerly called manic depression, is usually characterized by alternating cycles of high-energy mania and longer depressive episodes. The diagnostic criteria for bipolar disorder also include major depressive disorder.

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

Depression symptoms that coincide with the changes in the seasons and fade as the weather shifts, typically in spring and winter, can be signs of seasonal affective disorder.

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)

PMDD usually involves mood-altering symptoms like irritability, anxiety, and depression associated with the menstrual cycle.

Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia)

Chronic low-level depression symptoms that persist for at least two years and are less severe than those of major depression may be signs of dysthymia.

Perinatal depression disorder

Perinatal depression disorder typically refers to depression symptoms experienced during pregnancy or after childbirth. Non-birthing parents, foster caregivers, and adoptive parents can also develop postpartum depression after bringing a child into the home. 

Atypical depression in major depression

Atypical depression can involve symptoms of major depressive disorder that present in atypical ways, with the primary difference usually being temporary mood improvement in response to positive events. Despite these mood improvements, individuals with atypical depression still experience the persistent challenges characteristic of major depression.

Depression related to physical illness

Hypothyroidism, Parkinson’s disease, and other medical conditions can cause depression symptoms in some cases. Treating the underlying condition may alleviate symptoms. 

Why depression symptoms can look different for everyone

Mental health conditions often look different for each person experiencing them because many symptoms affect how they think, act, and feel. Two people can go through the same event and have entirely separate recollections of it. Mental illnesses and their symptoms can be as unique as those experiencing them. While there are often some commonalities, it can be essential to remember that depression symptoms and treatments are largely individual. 

Can you have minor depression or mild depression?

The short answer may be yes; you can have minor depression or mild depression, but it may have some qualifications. Persistent depressive disorder is typically characterized by low-level, chronic depression symptoms that persist for at least two years. Symptoms are usually not as severe as those experienced by people with major depressive disorder. It’s important to note that even minor or mild depression can still significantly impact one’s quality of life and should not be overlooked. While thoughts, emotions, and behaviors may be affected, the interference is typically less drastic than major depression.  

Understanding persistent depressive disorder and minor depression

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine report that dysthymia is "milder, yet more long-lasting than major depression." While symptoms can vary from one person to another, the following are some common experiences reported by most people with persistent depressive disorder. 

For a mental health professional to diagnose dysthymia (another name for persistent depressive disorder or minor depression), symptoms usually must have lasted at least two years—one year for children and adolescents—and include at least two of the following indicators. 

• Persistent sad, anxious, or empty moods

• Decreased ability to think, focus, or make decisions

• Loss of energy or fatigue

• Feelings of hopelessness, as if there is no point in treatment because you will always feel this way

• Loss of interest in activities you usually enjoy

• Changes in appetite or weight from overeating or not eating enough

• Drastic changes to sleep patterns, like trouble falling or staying asleep, restless sleep, waking too early, or sleeping too much

• Lowered self-esteem or self-worth

• Suicidal thoughts or actions

While the condition may be less severe than major depression, its chronic nature can make it just as challenging to live with over time.

What causes persistent depressive disorder?

The medical community may not currently know the exact cause of chronic depression. However, dysthymia is likely caused by a complex interaction of biological and environmental factors, such as physical differences in the brain, genetics, neurochemistry, significant life changes, stress levels, personal history, and life circumstances. 

Diagnosing persistent depressive disorder in mental health care

If you are concerned that you may have chronic depression, you can start the diagnostic process by speaking to your doctor or mental healthcare provider. You will likely undergo a physical exam, medical history, and possible lab tests to rule out any underlying conditions that could be causing your symptoms. You may be referred to a mental health professional for psychological evaluation, an official diagnosis, and the development of a comprehensive treatment plan. Whether you are experiencing major or mild depression, these health care practitioners can offer you support and guidance throughout the process. 

Treatments for depressive disorder: Dysthymia

The most effective treatment methods for persistent depressive disorder generally include psychotherapy (talk therapy), medication, lifestyle and behavioral changes, and practical coping mechanisms to manage stress and emotional reactions moving forward. 

Someone seeking treatment for depression might go through the following stages of talk therapy:

• Acute: Six to eight weeks of therapy focused on providing enough symptom relief that you can function in daily life

• Continuation: Four to nine months of therapy centered on sustaining your progress and continued symptom relief

• Maintenance: Long-term therapy for people with a high risk of recurring depression

The "relapse prevention" stage of treatment can sometimes last for years, potentially helping the individual manage lingering symptoms. This type of psychotherapy treatment is often necessary for people with chronic depression. 

Psychotherapy for depressive disorder

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be a common therapeutic approach because it usually centers on the link between the way you think and how you feel. CBT can help patients examine past experiences and their effects on current thought patterns so they can identify harmful ways of thinking and make a conscious effort to shift toward healthier habits. 

Medication for depression symptoms

Antidepressants are prescription medications that typically treat depression symptoms by targeting the chemical and hormonal imbalances commonly associated with the disorder. Medication can be a valuable tool for treating depression in some people, but it may not be a good fit for everyone. Talk to your doctor or psychiatrist if you think medication may be appropriate for your situation. 

In addition to taking medication and/or engaging in psychotherapy, there are several other tips that may help people manage symptoms of dysthymia:

• Stay connected with friends and family 

• Get regular physical activity, eat a balanced diet, and practice healthy sleep hygiene 

• Avoid alcohol or substance use as a coping mechanism 

• Keep a daily journal to track symptoms, triggers, and practical coping skills 

• Practice regular self-care to safeguard overall well-being 

• Attend regular talk therapy appointments 

• Be unconditionally kind to yourself 

• Utilize the power of positive thinking and affirmations

When to reach out for help

Persistent depressive disorder may not interfere with your life as much as major depression, but that doesn't necessarily mean it's easy to manage. If your symptoms cause distress or prevent you from living the life you want to live, consider reaching out for professional support and guidance. 

Living with dysthymia can be challenging when your mood is affected, but you can still function in most areas of your life. Therapy can be an effective method of alleviating symptoms.

Working with a licensed therapist online through a virtual therapy platform like BetterHelp can teach you coping skills to mitigate the effects of mental health conditions like persistent depressive disorder. Online treatment is generally less expensive, has shorter wait times, and can offer a simple way to fit therapy into busy schedules with flexible appointment formats like phone, video call, or online chat. 

A 2023 study looked at the efficacy of virtual care for depressive disorders and found that it was generally equally as effective as in-person therapy. Online therapy can be a valid choice for those who find in-person therapy uncomfortable.