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What is Depression?
Depression, clinically known as major depressive disorder, is a serious mood disorder characterized by persistent sadness, loss of interest or pleasure, and a constellation of emotional and physical symptoms that can quietly take over your daily life. It affects how you sleep, how you eat, how you think, and how you feel about the future.
What makes depression particularly difficult to treat is that it rarely travels alone. Anxiety, chronic pain, hormonal shifts, attention difficulties, and unresolved trauma frequently co-occur with depression, and when they do, the picture becomes more complicated. A single diagnosis and a single prescription may not come close to capturing what’s actually going on.
That’s where a more thorough evaluation changes everything
Patient
Testimonial
“I cannot recommend Dr. Colleen McGuire highly enough. She has been an incredible support in helping me manage my mental health, and her care has truly been life-changing. From the very beginning, she created a safe, welcoming, and non-judgmental space where I felt heard, valued, and understood.”
Symptoms of Depression
Depression manifests differently from person to person, but common signs include:
- Persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness
- Irritability or heightened anxiety
- A loss of interest or pleasure in things that once felt meaningful
- Changes in sleep, including difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or sleeping too much
- Chronic fatigue and low motivation
- Shifts in appetite or weight without an obvious cause
- Trouble concentrating, making decisions, or retaining information
- Physical symptoms without a clear medical explanation, such as headaches, body aches, or changes in sexual function
- Thoughts of suicide or a sense that life is no longer worth living
If you’re experiencing thoughts of suicide or self-harm, please don’t wait. Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or call 911 if you are in immediate danger.
Risk Factors for Depression
Depression doesn’t discriminate, but certain factors can increase vulnerability. These include a family history of depression, bipolar disorder, or suicide; significant or prolonged stress; trauma; co-occurring mental or physical health conditions; and the use of alcohol, substances, or certain medications. Hormonal changes, particularly during midlife, can also be a significant contributing factor, something Dr. McGuire has particular expertise in.
Treatment Options
Effective treatment for depression exists, and Dr. McGuire takes the time to figure out what that looks like for each individual patient.
Comprehensive Psychiatric Consultation
For people navigating complex or overlapping mental health challenges, Dr. McGuire offers a comprehensive psychiatric consultation, an in-depth assessment built for patients who need more than a brief appointment can offer.
What the process looks like:
- A 60-minute initial consultation dedicated to understanding your full history, current symptoms, and what you’ve already tried.
- A careful review of your medications, past treatments, and previous diagnoses
- Coordination with your existing providers, with your permission, to ensure everyone has the same information
- A written summary and care recommendations are shared with both you and your broader care team
- Optional follow-up appointments as your needs evolve over time
Who tends to benefit most:
- People managing several medications who want clarity on what’s actually working
- Patients with layered presentations, depression alongside chronic pain, trauma history, or attention difficulties, for example
- Anyone caught between conflicting guidance from different specialists
- Those who feel like their concerns keep falling outside somebody’s scope of practice
- Patients referred by a therapist or primary care provider who felt a psychiatric perspective was warranted, but aren’t looking to hand off their care entirely
This is an assessment, not a takeover. Dr. McGuire isn’t stepping in to replace your current providers, and she may not become your ongoing prescriber. What she offers is a comprehensive review and a clear set of recommendations, so that you, your therapist, your prescriber, and anyone else on your team can move forward with a shared understanding of your care.
Medication Management
When medication is appropriate, Dr. McGuire walks through the options carefully. Different classes of antidepressants, including SSRIs, SNRIs, and others, work through different mechanisms, and what’s effective varies considerably from person to person. She reviews your full history before making any recommendations, and she’s equally comfortable discussing why medication may not be the right starting point.
Therapy
Therapy can be incredibly effective at treating depression. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) are two of the most effective forms of therapy for depression, but Dr. McGuire can help you discover the right method for your unique needs and give your providers her recommendations.
FAQs about Depression
What symptoms might suggest I need professional help for depression?
How does Cottonwood Psychiatry approach depression treatment?
Are there non-medication options for treating depression?
What can I expect during my first depression appointment at Cottonwood Psychiatry?
Does Cottonwood Psychiatry treat co-occurring depression and anxiety?
Schedule a Consultation
If you’re ready for someone to finally look at the full picture, Dr. McGuire is here. To schedule a consultation, call our office or message us via our online contact form.
Dr. Colleen McGuire
Dr. Colleen McGuire, DO, is a Board-Certified Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine specializing in Psychiatry with a background in Anthropology and Music from the University of New Mexico, pre-med studies in Denver, and a medical degree from Touro University in California. She completed her residency at the University of Colorado, serving as Chief Resident, and has held key roles such as Attending Psychiatrist and Assistant Professor at Denver Health, as well as working in various inpatient, outpatient, and telepsychiatry settings. Dr. McGuire specializes in trauma, midlife hormonal issues, and alternatives to medication, utilizing therapies like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Known for her empathetic, client-centered approach and strong collaborative relationships, she is licensed in multiple states and enjoys mentoring nurse practitioners and physician assistants. Outside of work, she is a classical pianist, swimmer, and animal lover who values personal growth and creativity.
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Start your journey toward the life you’ve always wanted with the help of Dr. McGuire at Cottonwood Psychiatry, and contact us today. Fill out our contact form below.
Please note that we do not do after-hours calls. If you are in an emergency situation please call an emergency hotline.
Dr. Colleen McGuire, DO, is a Board-Certified Psychiatrist with a holistic approach to mental health. She completed her medical training at Touro University and residency at the University of Colorado, where she served as Chief Resident. Specializing in trauma, midlife hormonal issues, and alternatives to medication, Dr. McGuire integrates therapies like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Licensed in multiple states, she is known for her empathetic, client-centered care and dedication to mentoring. Outside work, she enjoys piano, swimming, and spending time with animals.