Depression treatment that looks at the whole person

Signs of depression

• Persistent sadness, emptiness or irritability
• Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy
• Low energy, fatigue or feeling slowed down
• Changes in sleep or appetite
• Trouble concentrating or making decisions
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness or hopelessness
• In children and teens: irritability, withdrawal, falling grades or loss of interest in friends

A whole-person approach

At Joy Integrative Psychiatry, the evaluation looks beyond a symptom checklist. We consider thyroid function, vitamin levels, hormonal changes, chronic pain or illness, sleep, alcohol and other substances, and grief or life stressors, along with sleep, stress, physical health, current medications and what's happening at home, school or work. That fuller picture helps separate the true drivers of symptoms from things that simply look similar, and it leads to a plan that fits your life.

We also screen carefully for bipolar disorder before starting antidepressants, because the right treatment differs.

What treatment may include

• Medication when appropriate, chosen with your history, other health conditions and side-effect concerns in mind
• Lab work when indicated, to look for medical contributors
• Coordination with therapy. Psychotherapy and medication together are often more effective than either alone.
• Sleep, movement and routine as practical parts of the plan
• Careful follow-up, especially in the first weeks of any new medication

When a first treatment hasn't worked

Many people come to us after one or two medications that didn't help enough. That's common and doesn't mean nothing will work. A careful review of past trials, doses, duration, side effects and contributing factors often points toward a better next step.

Common questions