Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD)
After former Miss USA Cheslie Krystย tragically took her own life in January, the incident sparked widespread conversation on mental health issues.ย
According to April Simpkins, Kryst had previously attempted suicide but took measures to cope with her struggles. As a result, Kryst maintained a successful career as a lawyer and news correspondent until her death. She also maintained close relationships with family members and friends โ all while silently battling with whatย Simpkins described as โhigh-functioningโ depression.ย
Simpkins was aware of her daughterโs battle with โhigh-functioningโ depression, or persistent depressive disorder (PDD), but she said Kryst hid her symptoms from โeveryone.โ This made the severity of her mental state difficult for loved ones to gauge.ย
If you believe you or someone you know is living with PDD, read this article to learn more about the signs and symptoms and what you can do to support those you care about.ย
What is Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD)?
Although Krystโs mental health journey ended tragically, PDD is not uncommon. In fact,ย three percent or moreย of the U.S. population will experience PDD at some point in their lives.ย ย
PDD is a mood disorder recognized in theย Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disordersย (DSM-5). Itโs described as a consolidating major depressive and dysthymic disorder. Itโs a chronic form of depression with symptoms resembling those of major depressive disorder. However, symptoms are not as severe and have less impact on a personโs functionality.ย
According to theย Mayo Clinic, a PDD diagnosis is made when someone experiences symptoms nearly every day for two or more years. Some of the most common symptoms include:ย
- Loss of interest in daily activities
- Lack of energy or fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
- Feelings of emptiness
- Low self-esteemย
- Changes in sleep or appetite
While PDD manifests differently in everyone, most people see symptom relief from a combination of psychotherapy and medication. Unfortunately,ย suicidal thoughts or actions are more commonย among individuals who meet the diagnostic criteria of at least one psychiatric illness โ including PDD โ than those without a psychiatric or medical history.ย ย
If youโre worried someone you care about is experiencing suicidal ideation, a broad range of contemplations related to death or suicide, itโs crucial to connect them with the right resources. Call theย National Suicide Prevention Hotlineย at 1-800-273-8255 or 911 if you or a loved one is at risk of harming oneself or completing suicide.ย
How to Support Someone With PDD
Helping a loved one living with PDD can be challenging for any individual. No matter how hard you try, it may appear as if nothing makes that person feel better or alleviates their symptoms. Luckily, you can do a few things to support a person during a depressive episode to help them feel loved and supported.ย
Educate Yourself
The best thing you can do for someone with PDD is learn the nuances of their illness. A better understanding of what triggers symptoms and makes them more manageable can help you support your loved one.
Create a Low-Stress Environmentย
Even if someone appears โfunctional,โ living with any form of depression can make everyday tasks stressful and overwhelming. Offering to help your loved one with daily responsibilities or household chores is one of the simplest ways to support someone living with PDD.ย
While itโs smart to ask your loved one what you can do to help, make sure they know it doesnโt inconvenience you. Also, people with depression commonly feel like a burden to others. Thus, it should be clear that youโre doing these things because youย wantย to โ not because youย needย to.
Be a Compassionate Listener
Another thing you can do to support someone battling depression is practice compassionate listening. Being a good listener is more meaningful to those struggling with mental health than dishing out positive affirmations or reassurance.
Demonstrating that youโre present and attentive without preaching to them will make your loved ones trust you more. In turn, theyโll be more likely to open up about whatโs bothering them.ย
Plus, many people internalize their thoughts or feelings and are hesitant to share what theyโre going through. Showing you can listen with a genuine, non-judgemental ear will make that person feel comfortable and better understood.ย
Final Thoughts
Learning to cope with PDD is challenging but necessary. With the right tools and support system, itโs possible for a person living with a persistent depressive disorder to lead a long and fulfilling life! Here’s why you need professional help when fighting depression.