Dysthymia Test

Living with a persistent feeling of sadness or being "down" all the time can be exhausting and isolating. 

If you've found yourself struggling with a lingering heaviness that seems to drain the color from your daily life, you're not alone. It might be a sign of dysthymia, also known as persistent depressive disorder. Though many people experience these chronic feelings of low mood, dysthymia can often be overlooked. Like the name suggests, it's a chronic condition that makes it hard to find joy or motivation in everyday activities.

This article aims to help you understand dysthymia and offers a quiz to explore your experiences. 

Remember, recognizing these feelings is an important step towards finding support and relief. Whether or not your results indicate dysthymia, your feelings are valid, and we're here to offer resources that can help you navigate whatever you're going through.

How accurate is this quiz?

At Best Therapists, we believe that online mental health quizzes can be an excellent first step towards improving our mental health. Quizzes like this one can educate you and provide opportunities for self-reflection, but note that they are not a substitute for professional assessments and diagnoses.

Take our quiz below ↓

Your privacy is important to us, so all results are completely anonymous and no email is required.

Example scenarios of dysthymia

• Sarah, a 32-year-old office worker, has been feeling "off" for as long as she can remember. She goes to work each day, but finds little joy or satisfaction in her achievements. When friends invite her out, she often declines, feeling too tired to socialize. Sarah can't recall the last time she felt truly happy or excited about anything. She functions in her daily life but often thinks, "Is this all there is?" Her persistent low mood has been present for years, affecting her relationships and overall quality of life.
• Mike, a 45-year-old teacher, has always been described by others as a "glass half empty" kind of person. He does his job competently but struggles to feel enthusiastic about it. At home, he finds it hard to get motivated to do household chores or engage in hobbies he once enjoyed. Mike often feels irritable and has difficulty concentrating on tasks. He's been feeling this way for over two years, and while he's not severely depressed, he can't shake the persistent feeling of sadness and low energy that colors his daily life.
• Emma, a 28-year-old graduate student, has been struggling with her studies for the past few years. She manages to keep up with her coursework but constantly feels overwhelmed and doubts her abilities. Emma has difficulty sleeping, often lying awake and worrying about the future. She's lost interest in activities she used to enjoy and frequently cancels plans with friends, preferring to stay home. While she doesn't feel severely depressed, Emma can't remember the last time she felt truly content or optimistic about life. This persistent low mood has been affecting her for over two years, impacting her academic performance and personal relationships.

Disclaimer: While these scenarios are based on common experiences of people with dysthymia, they are fictional examples created for illustrative purposes. If you're experiencing similar symptoms, it's important to consult with a mental health professional for proper evaluation and support.