Depression

Depression is more than feeling sad. It’s a mood disorder that affects how you feel, think, and behave, interfering with your ability to manage daily life. Joy Kwakuyi, DNP, PMHNP-BC, specializes in depression treatment at Faith Integrated Psychiatry in Tucson and Phoenix, Arizona. Dr. Kwakuyi has developed a treatment for depression using a combination of integrative psychiatry and Christian interventions. To get help for your depression, call the office, or schedule an in-office or telemedicine appointment online today.

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What is depression?

Depression is a serious mental health condition that affects how you feel and think, which makes it hard for you to manage your day-to-day activities.

Depression affects people of all ages. Though some people have only one depressive episode during their lifetime, it’s not uncommon for the mood disorder to recur.

Getting an early diagnosis and treatment plan in place improves your outcomes, helping you feel better sooner.

What are the symptoms of depression?

Depression symptoms vary from person to person. However, with depression the symptoms interfere with how you handle daily responsibilities.

Common symptoms of depression include:

Feeling hopeless, empty, or pessimistic
Low mood
Low energy
Sleeping more or less than usual
Eating more or less than usual
Withdrawal from friends and family
Irritability
Anxiety
Difficulty making decisions
Trouble concentrating
Thoughts of death or suicide
Unexplained aches and pains

You may not have every depression symptom. However, if you have a general low mood and persistent signs and symptoms of depression, schedule a consultation at Faith Integrated Psychiatry.

For a depression diagnosis, you must have symptoms of the mood disorder every day, all day for two or more weeks.

What can I expect during a depression evaluation?

You can expect a patient-centered evaluation when you visit Faith Integrated Psychiatry for help with depression. Dr. Kwakuyi first conducts a phone interview to get a general sense of your needs and goals.

He then schedules a diagnostic psychiatric evaluation, which includes a life mission and spiritual assessment. Dr. Kwakuyi uses the information gathered during your evaluation to diagnose depression and determine the best form of treatment.

What treatments can help my depression?

Dr. Kwakuyi customizes your depression treatment plan based on your needs and goals. He uses many effective tools to improve your mood and overall well-being.

Depression treatments available at Faith Integrated Psychiatry include:

Medication management

Dr. Kwakuyi prescribes psychiatric medications to improve symptoms. He works closely with you to find the right medication and dose that helps you feel more like your usual self.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

CBT is a form of psychotherapy that helps you identify the inaccurate or negative thoughts that affect how you feel and behave. Then, Dr. Kwakuyi finds solutions to change how you think, improving how you feel and behave.

Authentic Healing Process for Depression (AHPD)

AHPD is a treatment approach Dr. Kwakuyi developed for the management of depression. It combines integrative psychiatry with Christian counseling and interventions, working on your mind, body, and soul.

To get help for your depression, call Faith Integrated Psychiatry, or schedule an appointment online today.

We treat patients for anxiety, depression, social anxiety, panic attack, anxiety attacks, bipolar disorder, and more. We understand there are various types of depression, separation anxiety, and it can be seasonal depression. We are here to help. Call us to book your appointment today.

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