Amood disorder involving a chronic state of low energy and low self-esteem that is a bit less disabling than major depression is called a:

The correct answer is dysthymic disorder.

Dysthymic disorder refers to a mood disorder that is characterized by a mild, yet enduring or chronic form of depression. Dysthmic disorder involves fewer mental and physical symptoms compared to depression. Dysthmic disorder is fairly common in the population and is caused by a combination of genetic and psychosocial factors. 

The will be a : great britain wanted french gold mines