Do you feel unhappy all the time? The reason could be 'Dysthymia'

According to a new study from Oxford University, an individual’s lifestyle and environmental factors can determine their risk of developing many serious diseases, such as cancer. Along with factors such as smoking, poor diet, and socioeconomic status, a person’s outlook on life also plays a big role in health.

According to the Daily Mail, although serious depression is known as a serious disorder that requires medical intervention, some people are not clinically depressed but live in a constant state of pessimism. This condition is called "dysthymia" in the medical world. Dysthymia manifests itself with symptoms such as a constant low mood, loss of enjoyment of life and decreased productivity.

Unfortunately, people with dysthymia often don’t seek treatment because they can function normally, and those around them dismiss them as just “a sad person” or “a cranky person.” But this latest research suggests that low mood can even have an impact on lifespan.

So how can this be overcome? According to experts, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be an effective method in this regard. This therapy, also offered by the NHS, helps a person question their negative thoughts and develop healthier perspectives.

Apart from this, there are also some practical suggestions for dealing with dysthymia. One of them is to put your thoughts on paper. One of the best ways to combat negative thoughts is to write down the problems and try to identify solutions.

It's also important to question negative thoughts. Asking questions like, "Do I really feel depressed, or is this just a passing feeling?" can help shift perspective.

Another method is to make positive thinking a habit. Consciously trying to find three positive things when a negative thought comes to mind can make the mind work more positively over time.

At the end of the day, remembering at least three good things that happened that day can also be a useful strategy in combating dysthymia. Realizing that despite the negatives encountered in daily life, there are always small positive moments in every day can improve your overall mood.

Finally, it is important to accept disappointments. Learning to cope with these situations that everyone encounters in life can help preserve one’s mental health.