Depression can affect how you think, feel, and move through your daily life, but it’s also highly treatable with the right support. At GIA Institute of Psychotherapy, we provide compassionate, evidence-based therapy tailored to each individual, helping you move from feeling stuck to feeling more like yourself again. Don’t navigate depression alone. We are here to help.
Depression Treatment & Therapy
Stop Struggling and Start Living
Signs and Symptoms of Depression
Depression shows up differently for everyone. While some people experience persistent sadness, others may feel numb, unmotivated, or disconnected from their lives.
Common signs and symptoms include:
Persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness
Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
Fatigue or low energy, even after rest
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Changes in appetite or weight (increase or decrease)
Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
Irritability or increased frustration
Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or self-criticism
Withdrawing from relationships or social activities
Thoughts of death or suicide
If you recognize several of these symptoms in yourself, it may be time to seek support.
Are You Depressed? [Questionnaire]
The PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) is a widely used, evidence-based screening tool for depression. It can help you better understand what you’ve been experiencing over the past two weeks. While this is not a formal diagnosis, it’s a helpful first step in recognizing when to seek support.
Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by any of the following problems?
For each question, choose:
0 = Not at all
1 = Several days
2 = More than half the days
3 = Nearly every day
Little interest or pleasure in doing things
Feeling down, depressed, or hopeless
Trouble falling or staying asleep, or sleeping too much
Feeling tired or having little energy
Poor appetite or overeating
Feeling bad about yourself — or that you are a failure or have let yourself or your family down
Trouble concentrating on things, such as reading or watching television
Moving or speaking so slowly that other people could have noticed? Or the opposite — being so fidgety or restless that you’ve been moving around a lot more than usual
Thoughts that you would be better off dead or of hurting yourself in some way
Your Score
Add up your responses for all 9 questions to get your total score.
Score Interpretation:
0–4: Minimal or no depression
5–9: Mild depression
10–14: Moderate depression
15–19: Moderately severe depression
20–27: Severe depression
If your score falls in the moderate to severe range, please give us a call as you are likely experiencing depression and we are ready to help.
Important: If you selected anything other than “Not at all” for question 9, it’s important to seek support right away. Call or text 988 to speak to a trained crisis counselor.
Types of Depression
Depression is not a one-size-fits-all condition. There are several forms, each with its own patterns and experiences.
Common types of depression include:
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): Persistent and intense symptoms that interfere with daily functioning
Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia): Long-term, chronic depression lasting two years or more
Anxiety & Depression (Co-occurring): When depressive symptoms overlap with anxiety disorders
Postpartum Depression: Depression that occurs during or after pregnancy
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Depression related to seasonal changes, often during fall and winter
Situational Depression: Triggered by life events such as loss, stress, or major transitions
Bipolar Depression: Depressive episodes that occur as part of bipolar disorder
Understanding the type of depression you’re experiencing can help guide the most effective treatment approach.
Our Approach
At GIA Institute of Psychotherapy, our therapists take a personalized and integrative approach to treating depression.
We commonly use Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Internal Family Systems (IFS) to help you better understand yourself and begin healing with appropriate coping strategies.
Our licensed therapists are highly trained and deeply committed to creating a supportive, non-judgmental space where you feel understood. We work collaboratively with you to identify underlying causes, build resilience, and create meaningful, lasting change.
Depression Treatment Therapy in Somers Point, NJ
If you’re struggling with depression, support is available, and healing could be just a few sessions away. At GIA Institute of Psychotherapy, we offer individualized depression treatment tailored to YOU.
Whether you’re dealing with mild symptoms or more persistent challenges, our team is here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
Let’s rewrite your story today. Contact us to schedule a consultation.
What To Expect At GIA
-
We're your therapists next door, ready to help you and your family rewrite your story.
-
We will start by getting to know you and your goals for therapy. From there, you and your therapist will work together to outline a treatment plan that makes sense for you.
Are you ready to rewrite your story?
We look forward to working with you to overcome depression and start living your life to your fullest.