Depression Therapy in Paramus, NJ
Regain Control and Find Joy Again
- Have you lost interest in activities that you used to enjoy?
- Do you feel exhausted and too tired to do anything?
- Are you irritable and short-tempered at work or home?
- Do you find yourself isolated from friends and family?
- Are you feeling you’re experiencing sadness that just won’t go away?
- Is it hard for you to feel joy or happiness?
- Do you have trouble sleeping?
- Increase in purposeless physical activity (e.g., inability to sit still, pacing, handwringing) or slowed movements or speech (these actions must be severe enough to be observable by others)
- Feeling worthless or guilty
If so, you may be depressed.
Depression doesn’t just affect your mood—it can disrupt nearly every aspect of your daily life. You might notice changes in how you think, feel, and relate to others. It’s common for depression to interfere with your work, sleep, relationships, nutrition, and even your overall sense of wellbeing. If these symptoms sound familiar, remember that you’re not alone and help is available.
Understanding Depression vs. Sadness or Grief
Life’s challenges — like losing a loved one, a job, or a relationship — can bring sadness or grief. While these feelings are natural, depression is different and can last much longer, affecting your health, work, and relationships.
- Grief often comes in waves and is mixed with positive memories. Self-esteem is usually intact.
- Depression brings a consistently low mood, loss of interest, and feelings of worthlessness that linger for weeks or longer.
- Grief and depression can overlap, especially after trauma or major loss.
If you notice ongoing sadness, disconnection, or hopelessness, it’s time to reach out for support. Depression can develop gradually, making it hard to recognize at first — but you don’t have to face it alone.
Grief and depression can co-exist. For some people, the death of a loved one, losing a job, or being a victim of a physical assault or a major disaster can lead to depression. When grief and depression co-occur, the grief is more severe and lasts longer than grief without depression.
But what actually causes depression? The answer isn’t simple or the same for everyone. Each person carries their own mix of biochemistry, genetics, personality, and life experiences—such as trauma or abuse—all of which can contribute to the development of depression. Because there is no single cause, there is also no single solution that fits everyone. Therapy can play a vital role in recovery, but the approach often needs to be tailored to the individual.
Depression is not something that just happens. It can sneak on you. You may wake up one day and suddenly realize that you are sad. Feeling lost and disconnected from the world and lacking direction or motivation are hallmarks of depression. People with these challenges find themselves continuously focused on the past, on what could have been or should have been. Individuals who have endured traumatic events often experience unhappiness, as lingering pain from past events continues to impact present-day life and relationships.
Recognizing that depression is rooted in a complex interplay of factors—not just a single event—can help you take the first step toward understanding and addressing it.
How Common Is Depression Among Adults in New Jersey?
Depression is unfortunately far from rare. In fact, the National Institute of Mental Health estimates that about 7 out of every 100 adults in the United States will experience depression at some point during any given year. This means millions of people—our neighbors, friends, colleagues—are quietly struggling with symptoms of depression, often without others ever realizing. Knowing you’re not alone is important. Recognizing the prevalence of depression can be a first step toward understanding, seeking help, and finding hope.
Evidence-Based Treatment Help That Works
Depression is highly treatable. Our licensed therapists in Paramus, New Jersey, use proven treatments like Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and interpersonal counseling, as well as practical approaches such as exercise and light therapy. Most people who seek help for depression experience significant improvement — and you can, too.
The good news is that depression is treatable in the hands of an experienced professional therapist. We know [Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)](https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/patients-and-families/cognitive-behavioral), mindfulness and meditation, interpersonal counseling, and other therapeutic techniques can help alleviate these feelings.
Therapists often build a depression treatment plan around specific CBT techniques with a focus on problem-solving. CBT has proven highly effective in helping people recognize their own patterns, shift unhelpful thinking, and change behaviors that contribute to depression. In some cases, treatment may include both individual and family sessions, depending on your unique needs and support system.
These evidence-based approaches empower individuals to better understand the factors fueling their depression and develop new strategies for coping. By learning to identify negative thought cycles and replace them with healthier perspectives, you can begin to regain control over your mood and daily life.
Why Choose Bergen County Therapist?
- Decades of experience helping Bergen County residents feel better
- Compassionate, confidential care in a welcoming Paramus office
- Flexible scheduling, including evening and teletherapy appointments
- Individualized treatment plans tailored to your goals and life experiences
We’re committed to helping you rediscover hope, develop positive coping skills, and reclaim a sense of purpose. Our team will work with you to understand the life events, thoughts, and feelings contributing to your depression — and guide you step by step toward recovery.
Our experienced and compassionate team of licensed depression therapists will work with you to understand and identify the life problems and events that contribute to feelings of sadness. Together, we will work with you to gain insight into the behaviors, ideas, and emotions that are causing you to feel depressed. We will work with you to develop an individualized plan to treat your depression utilizing the most up-to-date treatment protocols.
When you reach out to us, we’ll take the time to discuss what you hope to achieve in therapy and what you’d like your life to look like moving forward. If you decide you’re ready to begin, we’ll thoughtfully match you with a therapist whose expertise and approach align with your needs and goals. From there, you’ll collaborate with your therapist to create a supportive, practical path toward feeling better—one designed specifically for you.
You don’t have to face depression alone. Our team is here to support you every step of the way.
Start Feeling Better Today
Take the first step. Call us at (551)579-4441, email us: info@bergencountytherapist.com, or book an appointment online. We offer limited same-week openings for new clients in Paramus, NJ, and throughout Bergen County.
Our office is conveniently located at 15 Farview Terrace, Paramus, NJ, 07652.
If you have questions or want to learn more about how we can help with depression, contact us today.
You deserve to feel good again. Let’s work together to help you get there.