Life as Eeyore: Persistent Depressive Disorder

November 26, 2024
Hosted by Dr. Gary Bell

[Download MP3] [itunes] [Bookmark Episode]

Episode Description

Persistent depressive disorder, known as dysthymia or low-grade depression, is less severe than major depression but more chronic. It occurs twice as often in women as in men. Persistent depressive disorder (PDD) is a serious and disabling disorder that shares many symptoms with other forms of clinical depression. It is generally experienced as a less severe but more chronic form of major depression. PDD was referred to as dysthymia in previous versions of the DSM. PDD is characterized by depressed mood experienced most of the time for at least two years. In children and adolescents, mood can be irritable rather than depressed. In addition to depression or irritable mood, at least two of the following must be present: insomnia or excessive sleep, low energy or fatigue, low self-esteem, poor appetite or overeating, poor concentration or indecisiveness, and feelings of hopelessness. More severe symptoms marking major depression are often absent in PDD—this includes anhedonia (the inability to feel pleasure), psychomotor symptoms (particularly lethargy or agitation), and thoughts of death or suicide. Tune in and learn all about Persistent Depressive Disorder!

Dr. Gary Bell's Absurd Psychology

Tuesday at 11 AM Pacific Time on VoiceAmerica Empowerment Channel

Not for the faint of heart or sensitive spirit, Dr. Gary Bell's Absurd Psychology is about helping our lives in the insane world we exist today. It is a sarcastic, smart and witty view of the lives we cope with, including straight answers, real information and new perspectives to bring LIFE back to our existence. Dr. Bell brings deep insight, common sense and weaves general knowledge of how the brain is operating under various circumstances. Dr. Bell challenges us all to OWN our lives. How do we become change in an ever changing world? If anything, you might sound smarter to your friends. Everyone is an armchair therapist, but now you will know enough to be dangerous. No whining or caterwauling allowed! This is a search for essence, passion and meaning as we exist surrounded by mediocrity, insecurity and insignificance. Take your medication and listen. You might learn something.

Dr. Gary Bell

Dr. Gary E. Bell, Ed.D, L.M.F.T. has a private counseling psychology practice in Corona, California where he works with people of all ages and life situations. He has been licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist in California since 2004. Additionally, Dr. Bell teaches at various cities and academies to police, fire, and city employees regarding psychology, crisis work and motivation. He has conducted over 15,000 hours of therapy and crisis work. Dr. Bell is also a certified Mediator including his work for the Family Courts. He responds to Police, Fire and Community crisis intervention 24/7 on-call (i.e., suicide, fire, bank robberies, shootings, major traumatic events, etc.) as a Deputy of Psychology with the Counseling Team International. He is on-call for national and international crisis (i.e. flooding, terrorism, major catastrophes, cruise ship disasters, etc.). Dr. Bell is a CAMFT Certified Supervisor and contributes to Women’s First magazine for the Marriage S.O.S. section. He works quickly and efficiently to effectively help all his clients.

Episode Directory

January 2025

December 2024

November 2024

  • 11/26/2024: Life as Eeyore: Persistent Depressive Disorder Listen Now
  • 11/19/2024: The Cost of Loneliness Listen Now
  • 11/12/2024: Where You Live Influences How You Think Listen Now
  • 11/5/2024: How to Make and Sustain Friendship in a Busy Life Listen Now
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