I have Dysthymic Disorder. I've had it my entire life and didn't know it. When I was diagnosed in 2010, I'd never heard of it before. In case you are like me, dysthymia is a low-grade chronic depression. It affects 3 to 6% of the population, 2 to 3 times more women than men. It starts in early childhood and is genetic, caused by low doses of seratonin in the brain. Symptoms include: making a mountain out of a mole hill, moodiness, chronic anger and anxiety, blaming others, complaining a lot, being unable to forgive, low self esteem, and thoughts of suicide, just to name a few. It took me two years of counseling and listening to self-help CD's before I decided to see a psychiatrist. But it was the best decision I ever made. I am now on anti-depressants and they saved my life, my marriage and my sanity. I feel like I have never felt before-confident, happy, able to deal with anything that is thrown my way and most importantly, anger-free. I've been anger-free for over a year now and it is a life I wish I had been given years ago. Dysthymia is seldom talked about and first hand stories from sufferers are rare. So in 2011, in hopes of helping others and shedding more awareness on this unusual but possibly fatal disorder, I wrote my account of madness in Born Mad. Born Mad is a true story of my struggles, thoughts and trials and how it all changed my life. You, too, can change your life. It takes determination, motivation and persistance, but it can be done if you want it bad enough. But the main thing is to talk about it. If we all keep quiet, we help no one. If we have the courage to open up, admit to our disorder and seek help from others, we will all benefit. Possible even those that suffer from a mental illness and are unaware of it. Please do not give up, keep trying, you can handle more than you think you can. (Born Mad is available at www.balboapress.com and on Kindle and Nook.) Bring mental illness out into the open, change the stigma and enjoy the life you have been given. Much peace and happiness to you all.