Depression

Depression services offered through telehealth throughout Illinois
In-person appointments available in Lemont and Mokena

Depression is more than simply feeling sad. It can affect your energy, motivation, relationships, and ability to enjoy everyday life. At Tohi Psychiatry in Downers Grove, Lemont, Mokena, and the Greater Chicagoland Area in Illinois, board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner Stephanie Kutella, APRN, PMHNP-BC, offers compassionate, personalized depression care, with telehealth appointments available to patients throughout Illinois. If you're ready to take the first step toward feeling better, call the office or book an appointment online today.

Depression Q & A

What is depression?

Depression is a common but serious mental health condition that affects the way you think, feel, and function. It can make even simple daily tasks feel overwhelming and often impacts your emotional, physical, and social well-being. While everyone experiences periods of sadness, depression involves symptoms that persist for weeks or longer and interfere with everyday life.

Depression can look different from one person to another. Some people feel persistently down, while others notice changes in their energy, motivation, or ability to concentrate. Common symptoms include:

Ongoing sadness or feelings of emptiness
Loss of interest in hobbies or activities you once enjoyed
Fatigue or low energy
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Changes in appetite or weight
Sleeping too much or having trouble sleeping
Feelings of guilt, hopelessness, or worthlessness
Irritability or withdrawing from family and friends

Seeking treatment early can help prevent symptoms from becoming more severe and improve your overall quality of life.

How is depression treated?

At Tohi Psychiatry, Stephanie recognizes that depression has many possible causes and no single treatment works for everyone. She takes time to understand your symptoms, medical history, lifestyle, and personal goals before developing a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Treatment may include medication management, supportive therapy, lifestyle recommendations, or a combination of approaches. Throughout your care, Stephanie monitors your progress, listens to your feedback, and adjusts your treatment as needed to help you achieve meaningful, lasting improvement.

The goal is not only to reduce symptoms but also to help you regain motivation, restore emotional balance, and feel more engaged in your daily life.

What happens during a depression evaluation?

Your first appointment focuses on understanding the full picture of your mental health. Stephanie asks about your symptoms, how they've changed over time, your medical and family history, and any previous mental health treatment you've received. She also discusses how depression may be affecting your work, relationships, sleep, and overall well-being.

Together, you'll review your treatment options and decide on a plan that aligns with your goals. If medication is appropriate, Stephanie explains what to expect and provides ongoing follow-up visits to evaluate your response and make adjustments when necessary.

If symptoms of depression are affecting your daily life, schedule an appointment at Tohi Psychiatry today by calling the office or booking online.